All:

On Friday, MERC notified the University that 30% or more of the AAUP bargaining unit members have signed a petition requesting a decertification election.

There are a number of ways that this could play out.  On November 1, there is a conference call scheduled between MERC, the University, AAUP, and the petitioning parties.  At that time, we could reach a consent agreement to hold an election, or we could proceed to a hearing on December 2 if we cannot reach a consent agreement for an election during the call.

I will provide an update after the conference call.  In the meantime, the negotiating process will continue.

The election process for decertification is virtually identical to that for the original election we went through last year.  This is a sensitive process with a number of legal implications; if you have any questions please contact Ellen Horsch (eshorsch@mtu.edu;  906 487-1737).

Dave R

David D. Reed

Vice President for Research

Michigan Technological University

1400 Townsend Drive

Houghton, MI  49931