Statement regarding UEA litigation

On October 28, 2005, the UEA filed a Complaint against the University in the Hennepin County District Court. On November 21, 2005, the University filed an Answer and Affirmative Defenses to the UEA’s Complaint. The University also filed a Counterclaim against the UEA.

In its Complaint, the UEA claims the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the UEA for faculty at the University of Minnesota Duluth (the “UMD Contract”) applies to faculty at the University of Minnesota Crookston. The UEA alleges the University committed unfair labor practices by refusing to apply the UMD Contract to the Crookston faculty, by insisting that the parties negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement for the Crookston faculty, and by refusing to process a grievance filed under the UMD Contract by the UEA on behalf of the Crookston faculty.

The University believes the UMD Contract does not apply to the Crookston faculty. The University believes that, based upon a plain reading of the UMD Contract, it would not be appropriate to apply the UMD Contract to the Crookston faculty. Instead, the University believes the parties must negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement specifically tailored to address the needs and circumstances of the Crookston faculty and campus. The University denies it committed any unfair labor practices.

In its Counterclaim, the University asserts that it has met and attempted to negotiate with the UEA over the terms and conditions of employment for the Crookston faculty. During those bargaining sessions, the University has made numerous proposals for bargaining. The UEA has refused to negotiate over many of the proposals, taking the position that the parties must mutually agree upon any subject to be bargained. The University believes that the law does not permit the UEA to exercise such “veto power” over the subjects of bargaining. The University claims the UEA has committed an unfair labor practice by refusing to negotiate in good faith.

The UEA admits that it has taken the position that the parties must mutually agree upon any subjects to be bargained that would modify what is contained in the UMD Contract. The UEA denies that it has refused to negotiate over terms and conditions of employment for the Crookston faculty. The UEA also denies that is has committed an unfair labor practice.

The University of Minnesota , Crookston (UMC) is one of four campuses in the University of Minnesota land grant system.  UMC is a coordinate campus that provides a unique approach through applied and polytechnic baccalaureate education, research, and service.

UMC is an equal opportunity educator and employer