YSU-OEA and administration to meet for last-minute negotiation session

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University administration and YSU's faculty union are taking one last swing at negotiation before the union is set to strike Monday morning.

Negotiating teams for both parties are set to meet today at 3 p.m.

Despite news of today's session, YSU administration does not appear to be planning for a quick resolution.

In an email obtained by Mahoning Matters, Beeghly College Dean Charles Howell put out a call for temporary instructors to cover courses taught by striking YSU-OEA faculty.

Substitute instructors will be compensated at a full-time faculty overload rate — $1,250 per credit hour prorated for the number of weeks covered.

YSU-OEA membership voted Saturday to strike. Of the 337-member union, 326 members voted, with 86 percent voting to strike, 9 percent voting against the strike and 5 percent abstaining from the vote.

In a statement Saturday night, administration called on the union to continue negotiations as soon as possible and present a counterproposal.

"Let's remain optimistic," YSU President Jim Tressel said in an email. "You have shown great perseverance through this difficult year and worked hard to overcome many obstacles. We are committed to ensuring that you'll be able to successfully complete this semester without disruption."

This story was originally published October 11, 2020 at 12:34 PM with the headline "YSU-OEA and administration to meet for last-minute negotiation session."