HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The Latest on strike at 14 state universities in Pennsylvania (all times local):
3:45 p.m.
Pennsylvania’s state university system is not in formal contract talks with its union but says it’s still looking for “a path forward” while professors continue strikes for the second day at 14 state universities.
System spokesman Kenn Marshall says: “Even though there are no formal negotiating sessions underway, the State System is working hard to find a path forward.”
Marshall did not provide specifics on any steps the state’s negotiators are taking.
Members of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties went on strike Wednesday after contract negotiations with the state stalled. The union represents more than 5,000 faculty and coaches.
It says campus strikes will continue until a deal is reached.
The state says it had given the union its best offer and misinformation about the proposal has spread.
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Noon
Administrators at 14 Pennsylvania state universities are telling students to stay at school as striking professors returned to the picket line for a second day.
The university system has instructed its more than 100,000 students to go to class unless their individual schools indicate otherwise.
With no new guidance coming from the system’s headquarters, the schools are providing their own instructions.
Some are telling students to wait up to 15 minutes before leaving empty classrooms. Others are holding information sessions and providing lists of striking faculty and postponed classes.
The faculty union says professors will remain off the job until a contract is reached.
The union president Thursday told the system’s chancellor to “stop playing games.” State negotiators provided their last contract offer Tuesday and then withdrew from bargaining.
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8 a.m.
Professors at 14 Pennsylvania state universities are hitting the picket lines as their strike enters its second day.
Members of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties went on strike Wednesday after contract negotiations with the state stalled. The union represents more than 5,000 faculty and coaches.
On Thursday morning, they were out again. At West Chester University, some held signs reading “The faculty will not sacrifice quality” and others multitasked by walking their dogs on the line.
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education says it made concessions and gave the union its best offer Tuesday night.
Late Wednesday night, the union said on its Facebook page that “the strike will end when negotiators reach a contract.” Negotiations have not resumed.
The state has instructed its more than 100,000 students to attend classes unless the university indicates otherwise.
But many students said Wednesday their teachers had joined the walkout, leaving classrooms empty.
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1 a.m.
Professors at 14 Pennsylvania state universities are expected to hit the picket lines again Thursday as their strike enters its second day.
Members of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties went on strike at 5 a.m. Wednesday after contract negotiations with the state stalled. The union represents more than 5,000 faculty and coaches.
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education says it made concessions and gave the union its best offer Tuesday night.
Late Wednesday night, the union said on its Facebook page that “the strike will end when negotiators reach a contract.” Negotiations have not resumed.
The state has instructed its more than 100,000 students to attend classes unless the university indicates otherwise.
But many students said Wednesday their teachers had joined the walkout, leaving classrooms empty.
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