With both sides digging in, it seems a faculty strike next week at the 14 state-run universities is imminent.
The new sides- the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, or APSCUF, and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, or PASSHE, have been negotiating for two years.
“Even though we have been down this road before, I think among my faculty, we feel the chances of a strike are higher than they’ve ever been,” Ken Mash, President APSCUF, said. “We are so far apart at this very late stage.”
According to Mash, sports team coaches are part of a different group and are not planning to strike with faculty on Oct. 19 f no deal is reached.
Meanwhile, PASSHE officials say they are facing a crisis and healthcare cost savings are necessary.
According to PASSHE Spokesman Ken Marshall, in the event of a strike, faculty can make their own decisions and the schools will function as normally as possible.
“While the faculty union can call a strike, all they can do is ask their members to walk out…it’s up to individual faculty members to make their own decision,” Marshall said.
Universities will stay open if a strike happens.
Another round of talks is scheduled for this weekend, beginning Friday.
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