YOUNGSTOWN — The union representing faculty at Youngstown State University is moving a step closer to declaring a strike.
YSU-OEA leadership plans to send a 10-day strike notice to YSU administration today, union spokesperson Mark Vopat confirmed.
The notice is the latest development in a contract dispute between the union and the university. The union voted to authorize a 10-day strike notice on July 16. The next step toward a strike could be Monday's vote by union membership.
Another union official told Machining Matters that the intent to strike notice is part of the process and does not necessarily mean a strike will take place. Monday's strike vote would require a two-thirds vote by union members.
"It's all going to really depend on what the administration chooses to do Monday," Vopat said.
The YSU Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss a fact-finding report issued by Judge Betty Widgeon, who is presiding over mediation between the union and the university.
YSU-OEA released a statement Monday calling the report "fair and equitable."
Widgeon's recommendations largely involve maintaining the faculty's contract, which expired in August. YSU-OEA originally wanted to postpone negotiations until next year once the financial fallout from the coronavirus pandemic is known.
In a document obtained by Mahoning Matters, a YSU representative claimed the report lacks "any significant analysis on any level." The document said Widgeon's recommendations don't take into account the financial circumstances facing higher education.
YSU-OEA membership has also begun voting on whether to accept the fact-finder's report. Voting wraps up Friday at noon, and Vopat suspects members will support it.
A subsequent vote to strike would "show we're serious about this report," Vopat said.
In a letter to YSU trustees and administrators sent Wednesday, YSU-OEA requested a "swift and equitable resolution" to negotiations.
"Faculty commitment to the success of the university, our students, and the region is clear and remains resolute throughout the beginning of this uncertain fall semester — even as faculty face an unclear outcome to the protracted contract negotiations that administration insisted could not be delayed, despite the pandemic and restructuring decision. As committed as we are to this institution, we need the administration to invest in us," the letter said.
The letter was approved by 78 percent of YSU-OEA membership.
The decision to authorize a strike in July was spurred in part by the university's academic restructuring plan announced May 28. The plan cut 18 departmental chair positions and is expected to save the university $1 million annually in the face of cost and revenue issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a union memo obtained by Mahoning Matters on Wednesday night, if the trustees reject the fact-finder's report, the negotiating team is unable to close a deal and YSU-OEA membership votes to strike, a strike would begin Oct. 12, the first day of fall break.
While the YSU administration and board of trustees is expected to meet Monday morning, the YSU-OEA is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m.
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YSU faculty union may vote to strike Monday - Mahoning Matters
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