Pa. university union members approve contract

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07283/824159-298.stm

Wednesday, October 10, 2007
The Associated Press

Members of the union representing about 5,500 faculty members at Pennsylvania's state-owned universities voted yesterday to approve a tentative contract with the State System of Higher Education.

Pat Heilman, president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, said 2,699 members voted for ratification of the faculty contract, while 1,172 voted to reject it.

A separate contract for coaches was ratified by a vote of 200-7, Mr. Heilman said.

Ballots were cast last week on the system's 14 campuses and counted yesterday. The system's board of governors is scheduled to vote on the agreement tomorrow; if approved, the contract will extend to June 30, 2011.

A tentative pact reached July 2 narrowly prevented a threatened walkout by the professors. Each is scheduled to receive an immediate $1,750 cash bonus, followed by raises of 3 percent in the second and third years of the contract and 4 percent in the fourth year.
First published on October 10, 2007 at 12:00 am