Wayne State University and its faculty and academic staff union, the American Association of University Professors-American Federation of Teachers (AAUP-AFT), Local 6075, have tentatively agreed to an eight-year contract. This agreement will replace the contract that expired on July 31, 2012. The AAUP-AFT represents approximately 1,950 faculty and academic staff.

“We conducted negotiations based on the best interests of our students and the future of the University,” said Wayne State University President Allan Gilmour. “This tentative agreement recognizes the value of our faculty and staff, and also builds in the accountability and flexibility required to adapt to a rapidly changing world of higher education.”

Charles Parrish, president of the WSU AAUP-AFT local, added, “As always, there is give and take on both sides, but we believe this is a fair contract. Most importantly, tenure and academic freedom have been preserved. This will allow our faculty to continue their excellent work in teaching and research.”

In addition to changes in wages and benefits, the contract also looks to the future by establishing ongoing committees to explore the use of technology in education and the changing realities of health care benefits.

Members are scheduled to vote on ratification on March 6, 2013. The contract will be effective upon ratification.

Further details will be available in the next few days.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 29,000 students.