State System Finalizing Deal with One Unit, Still Talking to Largest Union
Talks are continuing between the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and its faculty union as another bargaining unit gives thumbs up to a new four year deal.
Members of the State College and University Professional Association (SCUPA) ratified a new contract last week with PSSHE. The union represents about 600 admissions, financial aid, and student support service officers on the 14 campuses. The agreement goes to the Board of Governors for final approval. It will mark the 6th of 8 bargaining units that have come to a final resolution.
Talks are continuing with the biggest union, the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF), on a four year contract. The union has been working without a new deal for 18 months and leadership has been authorized to call a strike.
PSSHE spokesman Kenn Marshall says they’ve made good progress in each of the last two sessions with APSCUF. There are more talks scheduled for Wednesday and he hopes they will make progress toward a settlement.
Union officials also report progress, but say significant divides remain on issues including health care and class size.
While the system is still negotiating with faculty, it has reached a tentative agreement with athletic coaches. That deal has not yet been ratified.
