FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Kathryn Morton, 717-236-7486,
Contract negotiations continued Monday, June 27, between the union representing coaches at Pennsylvania’s state-owned universities and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Negotiation teams representing the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties and the State System exchanged and discussed multiyear proposals. Since talks began in late 2014, the State System previously offered only one-year deals.
The State System’s proposal was similar to the one it offered faculty members last week, notably in its request that coaches pay more for healthcare. For example, the State System wants a coach who makes $45,000 to pay more than three times more in healthcare premiums for family coverage. The State System’s proposed healthcare plan also contains increases to out-of-pocket expenses, which could cost coaches thousands of dollars more for healthcare.
Also mirroring the faculty proposal, the State System’s proposal contained no details about wages.
APSCUF’s proposal suggests providing job security for long-term coaches, similar to other Commonwealth employees. APSCUF also wants the State System to provide at least one year’s notice and supportive data when universities decide to eliminate sports.
The two teams are slated to continue discussions Thursday, June 30, the one-year anniversary of the previous contract’s expiration.
APSCUF represents about 5,500 faculty and coaches at the State System universities: Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock, and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania.