State System, APSCUF reach tentative agreement, strike ends

Oct. 21, 2016

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education and the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) have reached tentative agreement on a new contract, ending a three-day strike by faculty that began Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Once final language is agreed to, the new contract, which would run through June 30, 2018, will go to the full APSCUF membership for a ratification vote. If ratified, the tentative agreement then would be brought to the State System's Board of Governors for final approval.

"We are pleased to get to this point and look forward to the conclusion of the process," said Board Chair Cynthia Shapira. "Once again, everyone can focus on what matters most-teaching and learning."

Among other things, the agreement would provide faculty with pay increases and would allow the State System to realize important healthcare cost savings. Details of the agreement will be available upon final approval.

"Today is an opportunity for a fresh start," said State System Chancellor Frank Brogan. "Throughout this process, our students have been remarkably patient, and they should be applauded. Now, we look forward to making sure the rest of the year ends strong for them and for our talented faculty."

"We are extremely grateful to Governor Wolf for his outstanding leadership in helping us achieve a successful resolution to these long and difficult negotiations," Brogan added.

Regularly scheduled classes will resume at Slippery Rock University, Saturday, Oct. 22. Classes that were temporarily suspended due to the strike will be made up prior to the end of the fall semester.