HARRISBURG, Pa. ― 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 said it made concessions and gave the union its best offer Tuesday night.
Spokesman Kenn Marshall said the state system was disappointed the union decided to strike because officials felt they had made significant progress overnight toward a settlement.
The system said prior to the walkout that its latest proposal would provide raises to all permanent and temporary faculty members and a health care package identical to what other system employees have.
The state also reported it had withdrawn several proposals as part of those concessions in an effort to reach an agreement. The withdrawn proposals included one that would have required full-time temporary faculty to teach an additional class each semester.
Some professors, however, remained concerned Wednesday that the proposals could be revived.
