Oakland University\u2019s board of trustees did an excellent job of creating the appearance of business as usual on Friday Jan. 12.<\/p>\n
President Pescovitz delivered a presentation that was vaguely optimistic, somewhat milquetoast \u2014 the sort of progressivism that gets approved by a committee of a Fortune 500 company.<\/p>\n
A safe campus commission, an award in honor of the late beloved faculty member Glenn Macintosh, a few cutting-edge grants \u2014 all super safe.<\/p>\n
All the interesting and truly relevant matters of the press conference were sheathed within the public comment section.<\/p>\n
Oakland has not been free from controversy in recent months. On the contrary, the typically peaceful and rather sleepy campus has been racked by a series of unfortunate events.<\/p>\n
Union contract disputes constitute the most typical of these misfortunes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know at least six guys in skilled trades that have left here,\u201d Greg Meehan, a locksmith at the university, said to the board. \u201cAnd they are getting 10 bucks more an hour. They are going other places. Other colleges, DTE, GM, starting their own companies.\u201d<\/p>\n
The board replied with the grace of a politician. One even remarked to another, barely audibly, \u201cYou should run for governor.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Midwest has a long relationship with labor unions. Rarely, except for the most isolated and privileged \u2014 and in this region, oftentimes not even then \u2014 is there a family more than a generation or two removed from intense union ties.<\/p>\n
The board relied on this very heavily in their answer. Vague assurances, like one\u2019s father being in a union, were common. Assurances of better pay and benefits were much less freely given.<\/p>\n
A very well-dressed answer to very significant unhappiness. Designer stitching. Immaculate texture.<\/p>\n
But beneath the velvet lining, what this answer truly adorns becomes harder to ignore.<\/p>\n