Michigan State unions elect not to strike

Two unions at Michigan State University - Local 999 and Local 1558 - decided not to call a strike after reaching tentative agreements with MSU late last week.

Local 999 is a skilled trade union, whose members include groundskeepers, plumbers and carpenters. Local 1585, Local 999's sister union, is comprised of maintenance workers. Together both unions represent more than 800 MSU workers.

Contracts for both unions officially expired in June, but were extended for negotiations, which began in April.

President of Local 999, Dennis Lantzy said according to the tentative agreement, members receive wage increases in all three years of the new contract.

A member of Local 999, Frank Johnston is a mechanic in MSU's grounds department. He said 999's tentative agreement includes 3 percent wage increases during the first two years, with a 1 percent increase in the third year.

Members of both unions have been notified of the tentative agreements and are expected to vote on the respective agreements within two weeks.

MSU spokesperson Terry Denbow said he would not comment on the agreement until the members of both unions vote on it.

Johnston, a member of 1585 from 1968-96, said he witnessed Local 1585 strike against MSU in 1969 and again in 1973.

Although Johnston wouldn't comment on how he will vote on the new agreement, he said, "I've had problems with all the agreements since I've been here."

Lantzy explained MSU administrators withdrew some issues unions members considered important.

Lantzy said one issue he is concerned with is the possibility that MSU officials will change promotional process for both unions, which normally runs on seniority. "Seniority has long been a foundation of unionism," John Fenby, chiefs steward of Local 1585 added.

Lantzy said MSU official's guarantee to keep tuition hikes at or below the rate of inflation may have been an issue the university considered in the bargaining talks with the unions.

The guarantee has "cost the university a significant amount of money," Lantzy said. "We're beginning also to bear the brunt of some of that impact."

While MSU has potentially settled disputes between the university and Local 999 and Local 1585, the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties is still negotiating with the State System of Higher Education. APSCUF represents more than 5,500 faculty members at 14 campuses, including University of Pennsylvania and Temple University.

Kevin Kodish, communications director for APSCUF said the two sides have been negotiating since June.

Kodish said key issues members of APSCUF are fighting for include the use of temporary faculty, the salary gap between junior and senior faculty members and State System of Higher Education's position on intellectual property.

A representative from the State System of Higher Education could not be reached for comment.

Kodish added that APSCUF is prepared to call a strike. If one is called, it would have a two week moratorium. Talks continued unsuccessfully during the weekend and both sides are scheduled to meet again in Harrisburg, Pa. on Thursday.

10-11-99