KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo Public Schools board has ratified their contract with the teacher’s union after private negotiations, but Western Michigan University and its professors union appear to be negotiating in public, after a terse exchange late last week.
The two sides appear to be far apart with the AAUP demanding an 11.5% increase this year and another 11.75% next year.
Professor Paul Clements says that first hike will make up for what they have lost in the cost of living since COVID-19 struck.
WMU President Edward Montgomery says that’s far higher than what they are offering.
The professors accuse the administration of spending too much on their own salaries, hiring labor attorneys and new construction, and not enough on professors. Montgomery says they must balance costs to keep an education at WMU affordable for students.
Talks are continuing.
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