U-M to offer evidence of strike's harm at court hearing

The University of Michigan will have the opportunity to present its case in Washtenaw County Circuit Court that the ongoing Graduate Employees’ Organization strike has caused “irreparable harm” to the institution. In an April 4 ruling, Circuit Judge Carol Kuhnke ordered an evidentiary hearing to begin at 5 p.m. April 10.

more information

Kuhnke declined to issue an emergency temporary restraining order that would have immediately halted the strike among the union’s nearly 2,300 graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants.

University spokesperson Rick Fitzgerald said the university remains hopeful that the two parties will continue to make progress at the bargaining table but will be prepared to share evidence in court next week. “The ongoing strike violates the law, defies the terms of the current contract and has created unnecessary disruption for our students,” Fitzgerald said. “Our top priority continues to be carrying out the critical educational mission of this university.” U-M filed its complaint in circuit court March 30 alleging breach of contract by the union for striking despite its agreement not to do so while the current contract is in effect.

GEO went on strike March 29, about four weeks before its contract with U-M is set to expire May 1. U-M is seeking an injunction ordering the striking workers to return to work. “At issue today was whether graduate workers are causing irreparable harm to the university.

The outcome, however, shows that university did not have sufficient evidence to warrant a temporary restraining order, and that a restraining order was unjustified,” GEO President Jared Eno said.  “The university can bring us back to work whenever it wants by providing serious counteroffers. I want to be very clear.

This lawsuit seeks to weaponize the court system against working families, and today the court said no. The university cannot try to break our organizing in this way.” In a separate action, U-M filed an unfair labor practice charge with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission on March 29 asking the agency to find GEO in violation of the Michigan Public Employment Relations Act and order the union to halt the strike.

GEO also petitioned the state agency April 3 to direct the university to bargain with the union on certain subjects that the university has argued are outside the scope of the contract and to “cease imposing preconditions to bargaining.” The two parties have often been at odds over the logistics of negotiating. The union’s decision to strike is based on several issues the two parties have yet to resolve in a new contract, with compensation being the most significant point of contention. The union’s compensation proposal seeks a 60% wage increase in the first year of its contract, and additional increases tied to inflation in the second and third years.

GEO proposed this raise in November and has not moved from that position despite three counteroffers from the university. Under the university’s current compensation proposal, GEO members on the Ann Arbor campus would receive 11.5% in total raises over the next three years — 5%, 3.5%, 3% — and make roughly £38-£39 per hour by year three. Most GEO members are appointed at 16-20 hours per week.

The two parties are scheduled to meet for bargaining sessions from noon-2 p.m.

April 5 and April 6, and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

April 7.

Tags:

Tags:

europcar listed on couponmatrix.ukhotpoint listed on couponmatrix.ukideal-of-sweden listed on couponmatrix.ukrevolution-bars listed on couponmatrix.uksimon-jersey listed on couponmatrix.ukvalue-lights listed on couponmatrix.uk
europcar listed on couponmatrix.ukEuropcar has been one of the top names in car hire in Europe since its beginnings in 1949. With a huge range of cars from economy class to luxury cars and everything in-between, they offer a best price guarantee, offering a refund if you can find the same car for hire cheaper. Their huge fleet and 200 locations in the UK alone, make it easy to find a location near you. Don't forget a Europcar promo code from us when you book! Whether you need an economy class car for a run-around, an estate for a family trip away, a luxurious car for a longer trip, a fun model for a weekend of driving pleasure or a van for moving house or picking up some furniture, Europcar has the vehicle for you.
hotpoint listed on couponmatrix.ukWith free nationwide delivery and guaranteed warranty across all products, Hotpoint is a no-brainer brand when it comes to you searching for new kitchen and house appliances! If you thought prices couldn’t get any lower then you’ll get a pleasant surprise when you use a Hotpoint voucher code to discount your next order. Whether you’re in need of a tumble dryer or you’re searching for a cooker, Hotpoint has the quality goods you want.
ideal-of-sweden listed on couponmatrix.ukEven your handheld gadgets get to dress and impress with Ideal of Sweden – the phone case, accessory and bag designers with an eye for style. Inspired by the latest runway fashion, put your chic pattern of choice on your phone before capitalising with an Ideal of Sweden discount code. With the ability to instantly switch between cases and other gadgets through an easy-to-use magnetic strip, you can set up your device with a fresh look every week.
revolution-bars listed on couponmatrix.ukRevolution are masters of creating a good time. With years of experience it has distilled the good vibe down to its core, bringing together food, music and drinks so you get the best experience possible. Use one of the Revolution offers and you can head off for a Friday celebration, weekend party, or weeknight pick-me-up, all for less. If you want to make some memories with your friends that you’ll be enjoying for years to come, head to Revolution for you next day, or night, out.
simon-jersey listed on couponmatrix.ukWho says workwear shouldn’t bring out the best in you? Simon Jersey certainly don’t, sporting clothing and accessories that guarantee you’ll look your finest even when on the clock. Put a Simon Jersey discount code to good use and you could land two new work outfits for the price of one. Whether your nine to five is in a kitchen, a hospital, an office or a bar, Simon Jersey is always ready with threads that exude experience and charm.
value-lights listed on couponmatrix.ukFrom cosy bedside lamps to grand chandeliers in the hallways, it’s amazing how a few small bulbs bring a whole home to life. No one understands this better than Value Lights, the UK supplier who – with the aid of a Value Lights discount code – can offer you thousands of lighting options to suit any taste, from contemporary to traditional. So whether you’re looking for integrated ceiling lights for your kitchen or some mini spotlights to illuminate your garden, find the lights you need at a price you’ll like with Value Lights.