Oct. 10, 2020
YSU calls for faculty union to make counterproposal, continue negotiations
Youngstown State University is calling on the faculty union to continue negotiations as soon as possible and to present a counterproposal to the university’s latest offer in hopes of reaching agreement on a new three-year contract.
The negotiating team last met on Friday afternoon, when the university administration proposed an enhanced economics package that included pay raises of 0, 1 and 2 percent over three years. The university is asking the union to make a counterproposal and continue negotiations.
YSU administration also emphasized that the union membership’s strike vote this weekend only gives the union leadership the authority to take the union out on strike if it so chooses. The union leadership can still decide not to strike on Monday, Oct. 12.
The negotiations take place in the midst of a global pandemic and financial crisis that has resulted in cuts in state funding and a decrease in enrollment at YSU, resulting in a projected $3.7 million drop in revenue this fiscal year. Nearly 500 YSU non-faculty employees have accepted furloughs and salary reductions of up to 15 percent, in addition to 31 layoffs.
Meanwhile, YSU President Jim Tressel on Saturday emailed students and other employees a link to a new webpage that contains the latest information on negotiations and a possible strike, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
“Let's remain optimistic,” Tressel said in the email. “You have shown great perseverance through this difficult year and worked hard to overcome many obstacles. We are committed to ensuring that you'll be able to successfully complete this semester without disruption.”