Two more days of negotiations on a new faculty contract for the State System of Higher Education universities ended yesterday with no deal in place, but with both sides sounding optimistic that they are getting closer.
In a joint statement, State System Chancellor Dan Greenstein and APSCUF president Dr. Kenneth Mash both were upbeat. Greenstein said the talks were constructive and expressed appreciation for the “collaborative, problem-solving spirit” at the bargaining table. Mash said he was “genuinely pleased” that they’ve been able to address each side’s concerns seriously and said the union is looking forward to the continuation of the negotiations next month.
After generally engaging in two-day sessions, the next round of talks is scheduled to occur over five days, from September 14th through the 18th at the State System offices in Harrisburg. Classes at IUP and the thirteen other State System schools begin on Monday, with the faculty working under the terms of the contract that expired on June 30th.
