NMU Board Ratified Labor Contract With Local UAW 2178

The Marquette university board approved the one-year agreement following recent ratification by union members.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Unions

NMU Board Ratified Labor Contract With Local UAW 2178

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The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees has officially ratified a new one-year labor agreement with Local UAW 2178. The deal includes wage adjustments and updates to comply with Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act.

Why it matters

The agreement formalizes employment terms for the upcoming year and ensures university policies align with state leave requirements. It follows an internal ratification process finalized by union members.

The labor agreement includes a 2 percent increase in annual base wages alongside a one-time payment equal to 1 percent of base wages. The contract duration is set for one year.

The players

Northern Michigan University

This public university located in Marquette serves as the institution where the board finalized these labor and financial agreements.

Local UAW 2178

This union represents workers at the university who negotiated the one-year labor contract.

Rehmann Robson

This firm performed the audit of Northern Michigan University's financial statements for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

The details

The contract introduces additional mediation steps into the grievance process to streamline labor relations. Separately, the board approved a five-year facilities master plan that features a planned renovation of the Forest Roberts Theatre and accepted audited financial statements for the 2025-26 fiscal year provided by Rehmann Robson.

Sept. 30, 2026: Union members ratified the labor contract.
Oct. 1, 2026: The new labor agreement became effective.
Oct. 12, 2026: The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees approved the labor agreement.

Political Context

The inclusion of updated leave language ensures the university remains in compliance with Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act. The opposition to such mandates often stems from institutional concerns over increased administrative costs and potential impacts on operational flexibility.

The agreement ensures that university employees receive leave benefits consistent with current state law. Local residents and students may see future campus changes as the university begins the five-year facilities master plan, including the planned renovation of Forest Roberts Theatre.

The takeaway

This agreement provides stability for university staff while formalizing compliance with statewide labor mandates. It also sets the stage for long-term physical campus improvements through the newly approved facilities master plan.