Want the latest news on the union and state system contract negotiations?
Until further notice, the public will be in the dark about what is and is not happening behind closed doors. The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) agreed to a news embargo Saturday.
In a mutual press release the two sides said they will not discuss or make statements on the negotiations, as to minimize distractions.
Talks are to end today, but timetables have changed in the past and bargaining could continue into the new week.
APSCUF President Kenneth Mash said the two sides will stay at the table as long as progress is made, according to an Oct. 15 APSCUF press release. Mash specified APSCUF will remain at the table only until the strike date, and it is focused on getting a deal this weekend.
“But we will not stay at the table just so the state system can get publicity points,” he said. “We should all be focused on getting a deal this weekend.”
APSCUF is to strike at 5 a.m. Wednesday if no agreement is reached.
In attempt to make progress at the table, PASSHE Media Relations Manager Kenn Marshall said the state system removed two dozen proposed contract changes.
Friday marked the first of the three scheduled days of talks and both sides stated no progress was made that day.
“The bargaining teams had a robust discussion about the state system’s healthcare costs,” Marshall said, “but it is clear a considerable amount of work remains to be done.”
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