2008 Woodie Awards
Possible strike still looms as deadline nears
By Brandon Fox
Rocket Sports Editor
Issue date: 5/4/07 Section: News
Slippery Rock University faculty and coaches gave a "yes" vote on a strike authorization last week, as Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculties and state system officials continued contract talks.
The vote to authorize the strike, which was accepted by all 14 state-system universities means the APSCUF Executive Council has the authority to call a faculty strike if and when it is determined necessary.
With this, the members of APSCUF have sent a clear message to everyone that they stand behind each other, and are willing to do whatever it takes to get the problem solved.
The current collective bargaining agreement between APSCUF and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education expires on June 30, so the earliest a strike could be called is July 1.
Last week, faculty and coaches turned out in droves for the vote. Tallies show that 80 percent of the state's faculty members came out for the vote, with 96 percent of those voting in favor of the strike authorization. The coaches also showed their support, with nearly 75 percent participating, with 98 percent of those approving the strike vote.
Jace Condravy, President of SRU's faculty union, said that both negotiation teams would continue to sit down in order to come to a resolution. However, both sides remain far apart.
"Both sides want to get to a resolution, however, right now it seems that everyone is saying all the right things," Condravy said. "But saying all the right things has led to only minimal progress at the table."
The eventual decision to strike lies in the hands of the APSCUF Executive Council and negotiation team.
The faculty are not the only ones concerned with the possibility of a faculty strike, however.
Students, just by the nature of the ordeal, have been thrown into the fire as well.
"It's a scary thought, to say the least," said junior community health major KellyAnn Staudinger. "I will be entering my senior year and the thought of a faculty strike makes me worry about graduating on time."
The vote to authorize the strike, which was accepted by all 14 state-system universities means the APSCUF Executive Council has the authority to call a faculty strike if and when it is determined necessary.
With this, the members of APSCUF have sent a clear message to everyone that they stand behind each other, and are willing to do whatever it takes to get the problem solved.
The current collective bargaining agreement between APSCUF and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education expires on June 30, so the earliest a strike could be called is July 1.
Last week, faculty and coaches turned out in droves for the vote. Tallies show that 80 percent of the state's faculty members came out for the vote, with 96 percent of those voting in favor of the strike authorization. The coaches also showed their support, with nearly 75 percent participating, with 98 percent of those approving the strike vote.
Jace Condravy, President of SRU's faculty union, said that both negotiation teams would continue to sit down in order to come to a resolution. However, both sides remain far apart.
"Both sides want to get to a resolution, however, right now it seems that everyone is saying all the right things," Condravy said. "But saying all the right things has led to only minimal progress at the table."
The eventual decision to strike lies in the hands of the APSCUF Executive Council and negotiation team.
The faculty are not the only ones concerned with the possibility of a faculty strike, however.
Students, just by the nature of the ordeal, have been thrown into the fire as well.
"It's a scary thought, to say the least," said junior community health major KellyAnn Staudinger. "I will be entering my senior year and the thought of a faculty strike makes me worry about graduating on time."
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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