WMU trustees to consider labor agreements at special meeting Thursday

Contact Dr. Kahler Schuemann by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, to address the board during public comment periods.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees will consider approving labor agreements with two employee groups when it meets at 12:05 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. The meeting will be livestreamed at wmich.edu/trustees.  

On Nov. 29, the negotiating teams representing the University and the 350-member Professional Instructors Organization (PIO) reached a tentative agreement that members ratified on Dec. 7. This agreement is a wage-focused amendment to PIO's existing contract with WMU, which runs through Aug. 27, 2025. The remainder of the union's collective bargaining agreement is unaffected. 

The proposed provisions trustees will consider Thursday include single payments to current PIO members of increasing amounts for this semester, depending on the number of credit hours taught. The agreement also calls for a new salary minimum of $1,190 per credit hour to go into effect for the spring 2024 semester and a salary minimum rate of $1,265 per credit hour effective in the fall 2024 semester. Additionally, the bonus paid to members when they first achieve "Instructor II" status would increase to $100, up from $50. 

The University and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), a union that represents part-time stage workers for major productions at Miller Auditorium, also reached a tentative agreement. IATSE provides part-time professional stage help beyond what is covered by the University’s permanent staff at Miller. If approved Thursday, the contract would be effective through June 30, 2026.  

In year one of the proposed agreement, wage increases range from $2.60 per hour to $4.02 per hour depending on the job classification. In years two and three, the proposed increase is 3% each year for each job classification. 

For additional details on agenda items, find the board's full agenda online.

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