APSCUF votes "yes" on strike authorization

The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) announced today a 93 percent "Yes" vote in giving strike authorization to its union leaders. Ballots were cast at the 14 state-owned universities, with 82 percent of eligible faculty members voting. 

“The vast majority of faculty clearly grasp the seriousness of the situation,” APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth M. Mash said, in a press release.

This does not set a strike date, but it moves the possible action to committee approvals. A date could then be set. 

“We will not set a date until we have at least one more chance to go to the negotiations table to ensure that we are doing everything we can do,” Mash said in the release. “A strike remains the last resort.”

APSCUF coaches will next participate in a strike authorization vote from Sept. 14-15. Faculty, meanwhile, will go back to the negotiating table with Pennsylvania's State System For Higher Education (PASSHE) on Friday, Sept. 16. 

Main topics of discussion include health care and the duties related to temporary full time faculty. EdinboroNow's full coverage of the negotiations, including an upcoming, in-depth look at the health care issue, can be found here. 

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