Pennsylvania-based Point Park University has reached an agreement with its adjunct faculty members who have long been rallying for better pay.
The faculty members, who formed a union chapter through the United Steelworkers (USW) in 2016, have reached a tentative three-year contract settlement that has met various demands raised, including a rise in wages every semester.
School officials and adjunct faculty members were up against each other after the previous contract expired on August 1, which saw public events organized in the support of instructors and distribution of educational leaflets to students and family members.
The new contract, which will be voted by the members of USW Local 1088 in coming weeks, will benefit 340 adjunct faculty members
“This contract represents a victory for the faculty, but more importantly for quality education at Point Park,” said Local 1088 Vice President Sharon Brady. “Faculty working conditions have a direct impact on students’ learning conditions, so this agreement represents a step forward for everyone involved.”
Last month, Ferris State University tenured faculty members who have been demanding new contracts bargaining over the length of the contract, health insurance and a hike in compensation also went on strike. Later the faculty association agreed to return on the negotiation table to bargain with the administration.
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