University of Montana Collective Bargaining Agreement

The University of Montana (UM) is a well-known educational institution located in the state of Montana, USA. It offers a plethora of degree programs in various fields, including science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. However, the university`s reputation is also tied to its collective bargaining agreement with the faculty union.

The UM`s collective bargaining agreement outlines the terms and conditions of employment for the faculty members. This agreement is negotiated between the UM administration and the UM Faculty Association (UMFA), which represents the faculty.

The collective bargaining agreement is a legally binding document that governs a wide range of employment matters, including salaries, benefits, promotions, tenure, workload, intellectual property rights, and more. The agreement also includes procedures for resolving disputes, grievances, and conflicts between the UM administration and the UMFA.

The current collective bargaining agreement between UM and UMFA was signed in 2019 and expires in 2023. This agreement provides a 7.25% increase in salary over the four-year contract period, as well as improved benefits, such as increased retirement contributions, professional development funds, and more.

One of the most significant aspects of the collective bargaining agreement is its impact on tenure and promotion. The agreement establishes clear criteria and procedures for faculty members seeking tenure or promotion. This ensures that tenure and promotion are based on merit, rather than subjective or arbitrary factors.

The collective bargaining agreement also safeguards academic freedom and intellectual property rights. It ensures that faculty members have the freedom to teach, research, and publish without fear of censorship or retaliation. The agreement also establishes a process for resolving disputes over intellectual property rights, such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks.

In conclusion, the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Montana and the UM Faculty Association is a crucial document that impacts the quality of education and working conditions for faculty members. It ensures fair compensation, benefits, and protections for faculty members, as well as safeguards academic freedom and intellectual property rights. As such, UM students and faculty should be aware of the details of this agreement and its significance for the university`s academic mission.