To: All YSU Full-Time and Part-Time Employees, Including Part-time Faculty
From: Cynthia A. Kravitz, Associate Vice President & Chief HR Officer
Subject: Work Expectations During a Strike
Date: October 9, 2020
Thank you for your continued commitment to Youngstown State University and our students.
As you are probably aware the YSU-OEA Faculty has filed a Strike Notice with the State Employment Relations Board announcing that a strike may begin on October 12, 2020.
It is the University’s hope that a strike can be averted, however, if a strike cannot be averted this memo will serve to inform you of your work expectations during that time.
A university’s first duty is to its students and Youngstown State intends to honor that commitment. The University plans to remain open during the strike. Youngstown State will operate under normal hours of operation and class schedule.
The specific actions that the University will take in the event of a strike will depend upon the situation at the time. Our general plans are as follows:
- The University will use official communication channels, such as the YSU home page (www.ysu.edu), e-mail and social media channels to share information such as parking and access to campus with students and employees.
- All employees not represented by YSU-OEA Faculty Union are to continue to come to work as scheduled.
- Under Ohio law, employees not represented by the YSU-OEA Faculty Union are not permitted to participate in a strike.
- October 12 is a scheduled furlough day, however, if your supervisor has determined that you are to report to work on this day, you are to do so. The furlough day will be used at another time.
- Supervisors/managers will not approve any new vacation requests for employees during this time. All previously approved vacation requests will be reviewed based on department need. New sick leave requests during this time will be similarly reviewed regarding department need. FMLA requested during a strike will be evaluated consistent with current practice.
The University will continue to update you on this situation. In the interim, your patience and perseverance is greatly appreciated.
Cynthia A. Kravitz,
Associate Vice-President and CHRO