Geoff Goodman, a graduate student instructor in sociology (with sign), participates in an April 8 walkout to support members of the Lecturers’ Employee Organization (LEO). A number of undergraduates, graduate student instructors and some staff members picketed alongside LEO members. Small groups could be found in front of several academic buildings on the Ann Arbor campus, as well as in Flint and Dearborn, during the one-day work stoppage. University spokesperson Julie Peterson said disruption of campus activities appeared to be minimal.

Graduate student Afia Ofori-Mensa was stationed near Haven Hall. “I think a University that claims to have a commitment to education should be committed to their educators as well,” Ofori-Mensa said.

Representatives of LEO and the University bargained into the wee hours of Thursday morning without reaching final agreement on a contract. But both union and University officials agreed that major progress was made on key issues including job security and salaries. Union president Bonnie Halloran, U-M-Dearborn adjunct lecturer of behavioral sciences, said the teams are “conceptually much closer than before.”

The day of the walkout, Halloran said she was optimistic that bargaining scheduled for April 9 could bring closure on some issues. As of Record press time, no resolution had been announced.

“There still is a lot of work to do,” Halloran said. “I don’t want it to sound like a slam-dunk, but there definitely was a more positive tone.”

Leading up to the walkout, University officials had urged LEO members not to halt classes, pointing out that it is illegal in Michigan for public employees to strike. They also noted that the GEO contract prohibits any work stoppage.

The University continues to post information about the contract negotiations at http://www.umich.edu/~hraa/leo/. (Photo by Martin Vloet, U-M Photo Services)