Faculty Strike At 14 Pennsylvania State Universities; Picket Line At West Chester

Updated 2:32 p.m., 10/19

Faculty at West Chester University stood in picket lines early Wednesday morning on campus, holding signs expressing their support of the strike and their campaign for better wages and treatment.

A group of students held a "walkout" from classes in solidarity with professors.

The Pennsylvania chapter of the AFL-CIO has expressed their support for the strike as well, calling it a "courageous stand for the future of higher education."

Original story

The faculty union for Pennsylvania's 14 state schools has gone on strike after negotiators failed to come to a deal with the PA State System of Higher Education.

Talks began on Oct. 14, and although initial dealings were unproductive, great strides were made leading up to the deadline set by the faculty union on Tuesday night.

More than 111,000 students will be affected by the strike.

In a statement, the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) took specific aim at Chancellor Frank Brogan, who stands at the head of the state system.

"The governor urged us to keep on negotiating," APSCUF President Kenneth M. Mash said. "He was very clear about that. He personally spoke to both sides and urged us to settle this. I find it shocking that Chancellor Frank Brogan would spit in the governor's eye like that."

Mash said the APSCUF issued a "last best offer" at around 8:45 p.m. Tuesday.

In a statement Wednesday, Gov. Tom Wolf expressed concern and frustration over the damage that a strike could cause.

"Most seriously, a strike could drive a loss of students, which would further exacerbate an already precarious financial situation for the state system," Wolf said. “I am extremely disappointed in the failure of PASSHE and APSCUF to reach an agreement on a contract. The resulting strike is detrimental to the system and will have far-reaching effects for years to come."

Mash and the APSCUF held a press conference at 10:30 p.m.

The State System said that although "significant progress" had been made in talks, the union still rejected its offers, including raises for faculty and the same healthcare package that is provided to other university employees.

Tentative agreements were reached on "more than a dozen" issues, according to the state system. Those included distance education, recruitment of faculty and professional responsibilities of faculty outside the classroom.

However, the issues of faculty pay, and more specifically, the increased number of adjunct professors, were not resolved. Increased numbers of adjunct faculty — who are part-time and often receive no other benefits and small pay — mean less job opportunities for full-time faculty.

Wolf called the failure of both sides to reach a deal "shortsighted."

“Everyone’s top priority should be the students and their families who are counting on an agreement to ensure Pennsylvania continues to deliver on its promise to provide a world-class college education," Wolf continued. "I urge both sides to return to the table immediately and continue negotiations until an agreement is reached.”

West Chester University reminded students they are still required to report to classes Wednesday even as the strike goes into effect. Students may leave if the teacher does not show up for 15 minutes after class was scheduled to begin. Teachers are not required by the union to not attend class due to the strike, according to the state system.

The existing faculty contract expired June 30. Negotiations have been ongoing since late 2014.

Image courtesy West Chester University.