Eastern Washington University says in a press release that its board of trustees has ratified a three-year contract between the university and the United Faculty of Eastern, the union representing EWU faculty.

The contract, which takes effect Sept.1, calls for pay increases over a three-year period to bring faculty salaries in line with pay rates at other universities. The yearly adjustments will be based on how each faculty member's salary compares to similar position salaries at peer institutions, based on data gathered by the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources.

A study by the EWU provost's office says that 75 percent of the 437 EWU faculty members are making less than the median salary of faculty of the same discipline and rank at similar schools. The goal of the new contract is to have salaries reach the market average by the end of the three years.

EWU President Rodolfo Arevalo says in the release, "I am very happy that the faculty and administration could agree on a process to improve overall faculty compensation."

Rex Fuller, EWU provost and president of academic affairs says, "The agreement represents a significant development in recognizing and valuing the work of our faculty."

Fuller also notes that by using market data for salary comparisons, EWU can take steps to keep faculty salaries at competitive levels.

"This development, coupled with efforts to recruit faculty from national and international markets, will reinforce the university's commitment to supporting a highly accomplished and dedicated faculty," he says.

Tony Flinn, EWU professor of English and president of the UFE, says that the contract "comes from a renewed sense of teamwork and shared goals between the UFE and the administration. And since faculty working conditions are the students' learning conditions, this agreement will infuse our educational environment with a new, refreshed energy."