2008 Woodie Awards
Possible strike still looms as deadline nears
By Brandon Fox
Rocket Sports Editor
Issue date: 5/4/07 Section: News
While some students remain unsure of the future, others have stepped up to voice their support.
"It is never a good thing if the faculty are going to strike," said Anne Cline, a junior parks and recreation resort and tourism major. "Yet at the same time they should get a fair contract for all the work they do for students, both in and out of school."
Another point that APSCUF members have brought up with salary negotiations is the fact that while their paychecks have not met national standards, the salaries of managers and administrators have gone up nearly 13 percent over the last few years.
"What we want people to realize is that over the past decade, faculty salaries haven't kept up with inflation," Condravy said. "Our salary increases have been two percent below inflation, while the national average stands at two percent above it."
It is also important to note that while the number of students has increased, the number of faculty has not, she said.
"This causes a much larger workload for faculty, resulting in much larger classroom numbers," Condravy said.
APSCUF negotiators are also asking for a decrease in the number of temporary faculty that are brought in on a part-time basis. Members feel that bringing in so many temporary faculty takes away from a student's education, because they don't always receive proper instruction.
But some students are not yet sure of the motive behind the possibility of a faculty strike.
"I know a lot of students just believe that (faculty) are doing it for more money in order to raise tuition costs," Staudinger said.
According to recent numbers published in the SRU/APSCUF Newsletter, the salary increases of coaches and faculty have no direct connection to the increase in tuition.
In 2003-2004, when there was a zero percent raise for faculty, tuition rose by nearly five percent. In 2002-03 student tuition rose nine percent, while faculty salaries rose by only three percent.
However, when faculty salaries increased three percent in 2005-06, tuition rose only two percent.
"We want students to realize that tuition increases bear no relation to the increase in faculty salaries," Condravy said.
Negotiations are set to continue today and Saturday, with more scheduled for the end of May and every Friday in June.
With the current contract expiring June 30 and little progress presently being made, students, coaches and faculty will be keeping a watchful eye on their calendars.
"It is never a good thing if the faculty are going to strike," said Anne Cline, a junior parks and recreation resort and tourism major. "Yet at the same time they should get a fair contract for all the work they do for students, both in and out of school."
Another point that APSCUF members have brought up with salary negotiations is the fact that while their paychecks have not met national standards, the salaries of managers and administrators have gone up nearly 13 percent over the last few years.
"What we want people to realize is that over the past decade, faculty salaries haven't kept up with inflation," Condravy said. "Our salary increases have been two percent below inflation, while the national average stands at two percent above it."
It is also important to note that while the number of students has increased, the number of faculty has not, she said.
"This causes a much larger workload for faculty, resulting in much larger classroom numbers," Condravy said.
APSCUF negotiators are also asking for a decrease in the number of temporary faculty that are brought in on a part-time basis. Members feel that bringing in so many temporary faculty takes away from a student's education, because they don't always receive proper instruction.
But some students are not yet sure of the motive behind the possibility of a faculty strike.
"I know a lot of students just believe that (faculty) are doing it for more money in order to raise tuition costs," Staudinger said.
According to recent numbers published in the SRU/APSCUF Newsletter, the salary increases of coaches and faculty have no direct connection to the increase in tuition.
In 2003-2004, when there was a zero percent raise for faculty, tuition rose by nearly five percent. In 2002-03 student tuition rose nine percent, while faculty salaries rose by only three percent.
However, when faculty salaries increased three percent in 2005-06, tuition rose only two percent.
"We want students to realize that tuition increases bear no relation to the increase in faculty salaries," Condravy said.
Negotiations are set to continue today and Saturday, with more scheduled for the end of May and every Friday in June.
With the current contract expiring June 30 and little progress presently being made, students, coaches and faculty will be keeping a watchful eye on their calendars.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Confused Student
posted 5/04/07 @ 1:29 PM EST
What exactly happens when college faculty strike? I understand that they will not hold class of course, but what happens to the students? Do we have subs? Does the semester get pushed back? I am very confused on this portion, and if anyone could explain it that would be great!
upset student
posted 6/13/07 @ 3:13 PM EST
the professors here don't deserve a raise. half of them act like they don't even want to be here. if they don't like what they make then GET ANOTHER JOB. (Continued…)
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