University of Michigan Requested Fact-Finding Panel

Contract negotiations between the university and its graduate employee union have stalled after 23 bargaining sessions.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Unions

University of Michigan Requested Fact-Finding Panel

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Should university labor unions prioritize broader social advocacy alongside traditional salary negotiations?

The University of Michigan has filed a petition for a state-led fact-finding committee to resolve a contract dispute with the Graduate Employees' Organization. Negotiations have remained at an impasse with over 50 terms left to settle following the expiration of the previous contract.

Why it matters

The stalemate stems from significant differences in proposed compensation and the inclusion of non-labor demands like divestment. Both parties aim to secure a new agreement after previous contract terms expired earlier this year.

The university has proposed a 2.5% annual compensation increase, while the union is seeking a 9% annual salary raise. These figures follow a cumulative 20% increase provided to employees between 2023 and 2025.

The players

University of Michigan

This is a public research university based in Ann Arbor that employs thousands of graduate students for teaching and research roles.

Graduate Employees' Organization

This labor union represents graduate student instructors and staff in collective bargaining efforts with university administration.

Michigan Employment Relations Commission

This state agency oversees labor relations and provides mediation services for disputes between public employers and labor organizations.

The details

University leadership cited the union's focus on non-affiliated bargaining demands as a major hurdle to progress. Meanwhile, the Graduate Employees' Organization continues to advocate for expanded protections for international students and the inclusion of graduate research assistants in the contract.

Bargaining for the contract began in November 2025.
The previous union contract expired on May 1, 2026.
The University presented a contract proposal package on September 18, 2026.
The most recent bargaining session occurred on October 2, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents of the university's move argue that invoking formal fact-finding undermines the collective bargaining process and weakens the union's leverage. Advocacy groups maintain that the university should prioritize direct negotiations over state-sponsored mediation to address the unique needs of graduate employees.

The ongoing dispute could impact the delivery of academic services for undergraduate students if the impasse leads to work actions. Residents should anticipate potential disruptions to campus schedules as the fact-finding process moves forward in Ann Arbor.

The takeaway

Negotiations remain deadlocked as both parties weigh conflicting economic proposals against broader campus social concerns. Employees and students should monitor official university communications for updates on how the state-led mediation process affects academic workflows.