SRU Professors currently working without contract

The professors at Slippery Rock University are currently working without a contract.

Last May, the professors were notified that because of the proposed budget cuts to higher education state-wide, there may be a need for retrenchment, or downsizing.

While the proposed 50 percent cuts didn't go through, an 18 percent cut was approved. Although the 18 percent cut left professors unsure if their jobs were at risk, Dr. Jace Condravy, the president of SRU's chapter of APSCUF (Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties), said that President Robert Smith helped put their fears at rest.

"The retrenchment e-mails were generated at the state level," Dr. Condravy said. "And President Smith has followed it up by assuring us that no form of retrenchment would hit SRU for at least a year."

While President Smith said that no retrenchment would happen for at least a year, the professors are still have no contract, without which the professors aren't guaranteed benefits, security or wages. Dr. Condravy said that even though APSCUF and the state still have a lot of ground to cover until a deal is reached, the state has made a few steps in the right direction, from APSCUF's perspective.

"While APSCUF has had a professional negotiator for months, the state just recently hired one who is getting familiar with the whole issue," Dr. Condravy said.

One of the steps is putting plans in place by the end of September for the two professional negotiators from both parties to meet and discuss the contract.

 Both sides of the contract negotiations understand the difficulties they're faced with, according to Dr. Aaron Cowan, a professor in the history department.

"(I) understand the economic difficulties the state is faced with," Dr. Cowan said.

The sentiment was reinforced by Dr. Condravy, but she stood by the stance that the state was reaching too far.

"We all understand the financial situation," Dr. Condravy said. "But the state wants to change the status quo."

The biggest areas of contention between the two sides, according to Dr. Condravy, are that APSCUF is fighting to retain professor benefits, salaries and tenured positions currently held at SRU, while the state has held the stance that these areas have to receive cuts.  The state would like to cut the amount of tenured positions, which have much greater job security, and increase the amount of temporary positions.

There are still issues between the two sides, but according to Dr. Condravy and Dr. Cowan there is a lot of optimism.

"I'm hopeful now that both sides have professionals at the table," Condravy said.