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Where is NTI going?
Late last week, we, along with the IBEW & NECA, decided to move NTI to Washtenaw Community College (WCC) and Eastern Michigan University (EMU) for this summer’s event.
Why?
This decision is based on an ongoing labor dispute between the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) Local 3550. GEO went on strike in March and hoped to agree on a contract with the University. We are confident that both parties will come to an agreement; however, with an active strike, we felt the best move was to step away from the University of Michigan’s Campus for the 2023 NTI event. IBEW President Kenneth Cooper said, “The IBEW supports all workers’ rights, and we encourage the strike to be settled as soon as possible.”
One of the reasons NTI moved to the University of Michigan in 2009 was the University’s respect for working men and women in the skilled trades. Last week, the University signed a 4-year contract with the Skilled Trades Unions, of which the IBEW is a member. We are happy about that and hope an agreement between GEO and the University of Michigan is finalized soon.
Why WCC and EMU?
We realize this will be very different from what you know and have come to expect at the University of Michigan, but this is not the first time we have been to WCC. They have been partners with the skilled trades unions for over 30 years, and we held NTI classes there for two summers. EMU will be new to all of us. We look forward to working with the folks on both campuses and appreciate their willingness to welcome our training program on such short notice. They understand the importance of the program and have pledged to make this transition as smooth as possible.
What about transportation and on-campus housing?
We will offer transportation to and from both campuses, hotels, and downtown Ann Arbor for dining in the evenings. If you have classes at WCC and you have access to a vehicle, we recommend you drive to campus since the college has plenty of parking.
Regarding on-campus housing, between the Executive Residence at Ross School of Business and the North Quad dorms, we have over 150 people staying on campus. If you can make other arrangements for this summer, that is our recommendation. If you cannot, we understand. The bus stop at North University Avenue will still be there for any participants with housing reservations in the campus area.
What’s next?
As we finalize plans in the next few weeks, we will send additional information using our newsletters and social media.
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