Faculty at 14 Pa. universities mulling a strike

The union representing faculty at 14 universities in Pennsylvania is mulling a strike due to a lack of progress toward a new contract.

The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) will decide on August 25 whether its members will vote to authorize a strike.

If a majority of delegates from the 14 campuses approve, the union will set a date for the strike-authorization vote.

The union described negotiations with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education as "stagnant" on Friday.

The next bargaining session is scheduled for July 19.

"As the faculty and coaches responsible for providing a quality education, we place students at the center of our decisions," APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth M. Mash said. "But the changes the State System wants to make to our contract would make it nearly impossible for our members to deliver that quality. We are fully prepared to stand up for our current students, our future students, for all our alumni, and ourselves."

The previous contract expired June 30, 2015.

The union represents 5,500 faculty and coaches at Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock, and West Chester Universities.

Source:  Philly Voice