When APSCUF and the State System of Higher Education were working on a new labor contract about four years ago, the two sides engaged in a public relations war. The bargaining eventually led to a faculty union strike in 2016 before a deal was finally negotiated. It also led to a mutual decision by the two sides to stop taking their complaints about each other to the public.
In a joint statement, APSCUF and the State System have announced that talks have begun on a new contract, using a new format. The negotiation teams met Monday and Tuesday at APSCUF’s offices in Harrisburg in what they call “interest-based bargaining” sessions (or “IBB”). The IBB strategy focuses on collaboration instead of the traditional exchange of contract proposals.
Chancellor Dan Greenstein says the ongoing System Redesign is responsible for the new approach to contract talks. He says they’ve been “happy to find the shared interests both sides have in many of the items…discussed (in) the first two days.” APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth Mash said the union, so far, is pleased with the process and the progress.
The faculty union has worked the last two years under consecutive one-year contracts. The current deal expires June 30th. In another joint statement yesterday, it was announced that the State System Board of Governors has approved the side-letter for faculty phased retirement, giving eligible professors the option to retire gradually if desired.
Talks on a new deal for State System coaches began last summer. Their contract also expires June 30th.
