FAMU and faculty union reach agreement on bonuses and raise

Florida A&M University and its faculty union reached a tentative agreement Friday for faculty to receive bonuses and a 1.5 percent across the board increase retroactive to Aug. 1, 2014.

The agreement between FAMU and the United Faculty of Florida also provides for a $250 one-time bonus payment to all members employed on Aug. 1, 2014, and a 1 percent, one-time bonus payment to all UFF bargaining members who have been continuously employed at FAMU for 10 years, obtained the rank of full professor, and are employed as of the date of ratification. The wage increases will take place within 60 days after the deal is ratified.

The agreement also provides for the creation of a committee to develop a university-wide evaluation process. The administration will determine the composition of the committee with the option to invite faculty to participate, subject to the approval of the UFF, according to a statement released by the university late Friday. A draft of the evaluation process will be submitted by the administration to the UFF no later than Nov.16 for negotiation purposes.

"Our faculty are the cornerstone of this university," said President Elmira Mangum, commenting on the agreement. "I look forward to working with them along with the entire university family to address improving the outcomes of our performance metrics and the concerns that challenge our long-term viability as an 1890 land-grant university.Today's agreement with the UFF is a positive step in that direction."

The deal comes after months of acrimony between the two sides.

"The UFF members are optimistic that this agreement will be the start of a strengthened relationship with the FAMU administration and the start of a renewed focus on enhancing the educational experience for our students in today's environment," said UFF President Elizabeth Davenport in the university-issued press release. "The members of the UFF are committed to working with the administration and the FAMU community in promoting the well-being of our members and preparing our students to compete in the 21st century global economy."