WMU board to consider new AFSCME contract Monday

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees will hold a special conference-call meeting at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20, to consider two action items—the approval of an employee contract and authorization to negotiate terms of a temporary property easement.

The meeting, a formal public session, will convene in the Connable Board Room on the second floor of the Bernhard Center on the University's Main Campus. Trustees will consider the terms of a three-year contract with WMU's chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union.

Members of this employee union ratified the contract Thursday, Aug. 16. The union's 418 members include hourly employees who work in building maintenance and custodial capacities, dining services, landscaping, and several other roles.

On Monday, trustees also will be asked to grant authority to WMU officials to negotiate terms with the city of Kalamazoo for a temporary easement to University property. The easement will allow for the construction of a sidewalk expanse on the eastern side of Howard Street between West Michigan Avenue and Stadium Drive.