FROM:      CGEU WEBLOG  & ONLINE LODE TO:            WORKPLACE: JOURNAL FOR ACADEMIC LABOR DATE:        DECEMBER 12, 2004 RE:             MTU AND EMPLOYEE UNION REACH ACCORD      By: Michelle Manarolla - Staff Writer Date Posted: December 01, 2004 Over the past several months quite a bit has been happening on the Michigan Tech campus relating to unions. Michigan Tech faculty and staff voted to unionize not more than a few months ago and from that came the highly publicized dispute regarding union members and the University Senate constitution. However, on a more subtle, less controversial matter, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) voted Thursday, Nov. 4, 62-47 to ratify a new contract with Michigan Tech. According to the AFSCME Web site, AFSCME is the nation's largest and fastest growing public service employees union. They represent 1.4 million citizens that work to serve the public every day in all areas of government, health, education and other services, both public and private. They organize for social and economic justice in the workplace and through political action and legislative advocacy. As quoted on the AFSCME Web site www.afscme.org, "We represent nurses, clericals, 'blue collar' workers, professionals, corrections personnel, technicians and caregivers. AFSCME members work in offices, schools and universities, corrections facilities, hospitals, government facilities, child care centers — even in homes. Many AFSCME members have special training or are certified in their respective fields." Michigan Tech's AFSCME unit, Council 25, Local Union 1166, has 175 members employed in areas such as food service, maintenance, equipment operation and skilled trades. In the contract renewal with Tech, AFSCME has reportedly implemented no additional wage increase, and member's health insurance benefits are predicted to remain the same through June 30, 2005. According to Roger Johnson, the local AFSCME president, "We recognize that the state and MTU, along with AFSCME members and their families, are all facing economic difficulties. This ratification demonstrates the membership's willingness to work with the University through these economically challenging times." "The University is extremely pleased AFSCME membership ratified the agreement," stated Vice President for Administration Ellen Horsch. "The University has been bargaining with AFSCME since the mid-1960s, and we maintain a good working relationship. The AFSCME bargaining team's priority has always been their membership while being supportive of the University." Minor changes to the contract involve brief language changes relating to sick leave, funeral leave, arbitration and reimbursement for safety shoes. For more information about AFSCME or on how to become a member, visit www.afscme.org.