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State faculty union strike ends

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A three-day strike by union professors at 14 state-owned universities, including California University of Pennsylvania, ended after negotiators reached a tentative contract Friday, the union announced.

The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, which represents nearly 5,500 professors and coaches, said the faculty would immediately leave the picket lines after the three-year deal through June 30, 2018, ended the strike that began at 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Classes for many of the more than 100,000 students were canceled Wednesday and a string of classroom doors were locked the following day at Cal U.

The union said it accepted wage and benefits concessions in exchange for the state System of Higher Education eliminating most of the 249 changes the State System proposed in June.

“Our primary goals were to preserve quality education for our students, protect our adjuncts from exploitation, and make sure the varieties of faculty work are respected,” APSCUF President Kenneth M. Mash stated in a news release.

The details of the contract and what was rescinded were to be released at a later date, APSCUF spokeswoman Kathryn Morton said.

“Today is an opportunity for a fresh start,” said State System Chancellor Frank T. Brogan.

Brogan said the agreement will allow the State System to realize important savings in healthcare costs.

The union also thanked Gov. Tom Wolf for reaching the agreement and his commitment “to public higher education, our universities, and our students,” Mash said.

Wolf said the strike had the potential to be devastating to the State System and its already declining enrollment.

“Throughout this process, and during my conversations, with both sides, the students and families were my focus,” Wolf said in a released statement. “Coming to a final agreement was challenging, and it took a lot of effort from everyone involved, but I appreciate PASSHE and APSCUF coming together to reach a final agreement on a contract that is fair for professors and university faculty and the State System.”

According to the Cal U. website, all classes will resume as scheduled Monday. Faculty is scheduled to return to work officially at midnight.

Cal U. faculty spokesman Swarn Gill said faculty members appreciated the student support they received throughout the strike.

“They were honking horns, bringing us food and snacks, providing support and encouragment. It was a stressful time, and it affected their lives as well, and having their support was a source of strength,” said Gill.

He said the professors were surprised the settlement came quickly.

“We’re all a little bit surprised that it came sort of out of nowhere. We’re all relieved a settlement happened. The stress is gone.”

It was the first time the union walked off the job in its history.

Staff writer Karen Mansfield contributed to this report.

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