Judge Orders Striking Central Michigan University Faculty Back To Work

The faculty at Central Michigan University was on strike when classes began this morning.

Now an Isabella County judge has ordered the faculty back to work.  The faculty union says they will comply with the order.

Many Central Michigan University students had class this morning.  CMU's 436 fixed-term faculty and 591 graduate assistants were scheduled to hold class and most did.  The faculty union has 600 members.

Classes should resume for all tomorrow, but the negotiations and legal battles are not over.

Here's more from WZZM:

Union President Laura Frey said, "We will obey the court order and return to work tomorrow. But this does not end the issue. The faculty remains strong and committed to securing a fair and equitable contract for members."

CMU President George Ross said the administration was willing to get back to the table as soon as the faculty union was willing to do so.

The administration said the strike is illegal because of a state law that bans public employees from striking.

Both sides are scheduled to meet in court on Friday.