Staff represented by Oakland University Custodial Maintenance Trades (OUCMT) are demanding a contract that reflects the real value of staff work.
Workloads have increased. Campus square footage has expanded. Inflation has reduced the real value of wages.
Yet staff compensation continues to fall behind.
Oakland University has chosen to prioritize buildings, expansion, and other initiatives while failing to adequately invest in the staff required to support and maintain that growth. The result is burnout, declining retention, and the loss of experienced employees—problems that are already affecting campus operations.
Staff are essential to the University’s success. Continuing to underpay staff while expecting more work is not sustainable and undermines the institution’s long-term stability.
OUMCT members remain committed to Oakland University. That commitment must be met with meaningful investment in staff, not continued delays or inadequate proposals.
We are calling on Oakland University to return to the bargaining table with a contract that:
- Accounts for inflation
- Reflects expanded workloads and campus growth
- Provides fair, competitive compensation
- Supports retention and stability
Fair pay is not optional.
Cody Eldredge • Feb 12, 2026 at 8:47 PM
Oakland University cannot function without skilled trades. Fight for the contract you deserve, and know that faculty and students stand with OU-CMT!
Nancy Foltz • Feb 11, 2026 at 2:04 PM
As a retired O.U. employee of 28 years, I urge the University to fairly compensate the employees who show up day after day to keep the physical University running. They should be valued, appreciated and recognized financially for their contributions.
Sincerely
Nancy Foltz