NMC requests MERC fact finding to advance union negotiations

TRAVERSE CITY — In an effort to advance negotiations with the Michigan Education Association (MEA), Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) petitioned the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC) for a fact finding analysis. NMC made the request following an August 5 mediated collective bargaining session where members of NMC and MEA union bargaining teams met to discuss outstanding contract issues.

Fact finding allows a neutral, state-appointed representative to create a non-binding report on the remaining disputes.

NMC requested that MERC initiate the fact finding process because faculty bargaining representatives have advised the college that the bargaining unit members will likely reject its last proposal.

In the Petition for Fact Finding, NMC states: “Publicizing the facts and recommendations of the fact finder will assist the parties in attempting to find common ground.”

The NMC administration looks forward to the report.

Status of NMC-MEA Negotiations

NMC’s request for fact finding follows the college’s March 21, 2016 request for state-appointed mediation. Since the faculty voted to unionize in March 2015, NMC has:

  • Presented numerous written proposals and counter proposals for the union’s consideration, the first on June 12, 2015 and most recently, a comprehensive proposal and set of tentative agreements on July 29, 2016.
  • Followed established negotiating practices, engaging in 17 collective bargaining sessions with union negotiators between May 15, 2015 and March 7, 2016.
  • Requested mediation through MERC on March 7, 2016.
  • Participated in seven sessions with the appointed MERC mediator between March 22 and August 5, 2016.
  • Reached 18 tentative agreements with the union.

Release Date: August 8, 2016

For More Information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@nmc.edu

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE

Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination

Position Vacancies

Are you looking for career opportunities? Find it here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:

  • Hagerty Center – Server, Bartender, Cook and Dishwasher
  • Enrollment Services Assistant
  • Adjunct Faculty – English Composition

Benefits Corner

If you have accounts through Voya Financial – please watch for upcoming mailings!

At the end of 2016 the Office of Retirement Services will be launching an automatic increase campaign. Qualified employees (those who are not receiving the maximum contribution from NMC because you decreased your contributions) will receive communication from Voya Financial regarding your contribution rates. Unless you actively choose to “opt out” your contribution rate will be increased  by 1 percent effective on January 1, 2017.

Position Vacancies

Are you looking for career opportunities? Find it here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:

  • Hagerty Center – Server, Bartender, Cook and Dishwasher
  • Enrollment Services Assistant
  • Adjunct Faculty – English Composition

Hawk Owl Café Specials for the Week of August 1-5

Look for These Exciting Specials!

Monday-Friday:

  • Lemon Tarragon Tuna Salad SandwichMDF_CitrusHerbCrustedSalmon_FBad
  • Chipotle Chicken Flatbread & corn Salsa
  • Honey Pecan Turkey Flatbread

Monday-Tuesday:

  • Herb Roasted Chicken & Seasonal Vegetables

Wednesday-Thursday:

  • Rosemary Chicken with Orzo & Vegetables

Friday:

  • Citrus Glazed Salmon

Global Literature Reading Group selections

In a Sunburned Country book coverThe Global Literature Reading Group committee has chosen books and discussion dates for the 2016-17 school year:

  • In a Sunburned Country, Bill Bryson (Australia), Friday, November 11, 2016
  • My Son’s Story, Nadine Gordimer (South Africa), April 21, 2017

Discussions will be held on the dates above from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Scholars Hall Room 104.

Copies of In a Sunburned Country are available for the subsidized price of $5.00. Contact Tina Ulrich in the library (995-1063 or tulrich@nmc.edu) for more information.

Learn more about the Global Literature Reading Group here.

Happy summer reading from the Global Lit Group!

Hawk Owl Café specials for the Week of July 25-29

This Week Look forward to Amazing Specials!

MDF_ChickBlkBeanQuesaYogurt_FBadMondayTuesday:

  • Open Faced Turkey Sandwich
  • Catering Boxed Lunch Favorite: Tijuana Smoked Turkey Chipotle Club
  • Chicken and Black Bean Quesadilla & Yogurt

WednesdayThursday:

  • Home Style Meatloaf Plate
  • Fried Chicken Wrap

Friday!

  • Taco Bar!!!!!

Kudos!

KUDOS- (praise or respect that you get because of something you have done or achieved) defined by Merriam-Webster.com

Kudos to  Scott Goethals, Keith Weber, Michelle Poertner, John Velis – They had an incredibly challenging task conducting the CIT Instructor Search. They had a strong pool of internal and external candidates. The team exemplified NMC values through their discussions of whom to select and their ultimate decisions. It was amazing to see this team work together and come to the best conclusion for the department, NMC, and our students. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with this team. Thank you.

Position vacancies

Are you looking for career opportunities? Find it here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:

  • 2nd Shift Custodian
  • Hagerty Center – Server, Bartender, Cook and Dishwasher
  • Enrollment Services Assistant
  • Adjunct Faculty – English Composition

Benefits Corner: Exciting Changes to the Staff Tuition Reimbursement Program

The Human Resources team has the pleasure to inform you that the Staff Tuition Reimbursement Program has been revised to provide better support for staff at NMC. The maximum reimbursement amount per eligible employee, per year, has been increased from $1,500 to $3,000 to provide better support toward the costs of 4-year and advanced degrees pursued for the purpose of personal and professional development. 

The program’s purpose remains “To promote the professional development and career growth of NMC staff, which supports the creation of a Learning Organization by investing in people.”

The application is available on the employee site here (login required), and you can find it in the HR Public shared drive.

President’s Update for July 18, 2016

Thank you all for everything you do in pursuit of “Keeping Learning at the Center.”

Notable Accomplishments provided by Faculty and Staff

This section recognizes the good work being done and linkages to the Strategic Directions (SD) and Institutional Effectiveness Criteria (IE) are provided where possible. (more…)