Associated Press
HARRISBURG —
Union faculty at Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities, which includes Slippery Rock University, have given their leadership the authority to call a strike.
The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties announced results of a vote Friday. Members had cast ballots at 14 campuses across the state earlier this week.
The vote empowers union chapter presidents at each school to call a strike. Ten of the 14 must approve a walkout.
Faculty and coaches have been working without a contract since June 2011. Talks have stalled over issues including compensation for temporary instructors, health care benefits and online education.
There has never been a faculty strike in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Another negotiating session is set for Dec. 11. Meanwhile, classes will continue for the system's 120,000 students.
