Your Legal Rights | Northern Michigan University AAUP AFT Local 6761

Weingarten Rights

If you believe a meeting with management or administration could result in discipline, you have the right to request union representation.

Intellectual Property

Faculty own their course materials, unless they choose to give them away.

It is your right to request information that falls within the public record from a public entity. Under Michigan law, a public entity such as Northern Michigan University must respond to your request within five business days. He is more information on the Michigan Freedom of Information Act.

Family Medical Leave Act

An employee can use family care leave for the confining illness or injury (not routine medical/dental appointments) to members of the immediate family (spouse or designated individual, children, parents, parents-in-law, brothers, sisters) and any person for whom the employee is financially or physically responsible.

Equal Opportunity

Discrimination/Complaint Procedure (NMU Policy) & Non-Discrimination Procedure (NMU Policy).

Professional Responsibilities

It is important to understand what your professional responsibilities are under the current contract. This is detailed in Article VI of the Master Agreement. Failure to adhere to these responsibilities can result in disciplinary action or dismissal (Article X of Master Agreement).

Gender Equity

Gender Equity Reports and GuidelinesDiscrimination and Harassment

The NMU-AAUP/AFT 6761 can be a strong advocate in cases of discrimination and harassment. The university policies on these matters are set by our Human Resources Department.

Grievance Procedure

If you feel a specific right under our contract has been violated, the NMU-AAUP/AFT can help you. However, it is important to know exactly what kinds of violations warrant sufficient cause for a grievance by the union and those that are not. The union can only take action under the contract for violations by the administration. You cannot file a grievance against another faculty member. A grievance procedure is a conflict resolution mechanism, but sometimes, it is insufficient and sometimes grievances wind up in arbitration (a form of administrative law in court). Therefore, grievances require evidence to substantiate the claims. Issues of discrimination or harassment, are handled by the Human Resources Office.

To view Article IV of the Master Agreement pertaining to grievance procedures, click here.