MnSCU approves contract with university faculty

Trustees of the Minnesota State college and university system approved a labor contract with university professors late this afternoon.

Inter Faculty Organization President Jim Grabowska  says faculty will receive a 7 percent pay hike over two years, retroactive to last year. Adjunct faculty get similar raises.

New professors will also teach three courses their first semester instead of four, so they can adjust to their various duties. Grabowska says that's because the workload for incoming professors can be overwhelming.

"It becomes difficult for them to do their research and teach a full load and advise students and do committee work all at the same time," he said.

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The tentative contract also gives faculty 6 weeks of paid parental leave -- the first such leave they've received.

"Children happen when children happen, and it's not necessarily in line with an academic year," he said. "And nor should parents have to make a decision about when they have children according to their work schedules."

Union members ratified the agreement by an overwhelming margin.

Minnesota lawmakers must still approve the contract.