PENNSYLVANIA Union set to move offices off campus

The faculty union has made no definite plans to strike.
HARRISBURG (AP) -- The union representing faculty at Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities is preparing for a possible strike by moving its local chapter offices off the campuses next month, officials said today.
William Fulmer, president of the 5,500-member Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, said the chapter offices would be moved Jan. 12 so that union leaders can keep in touch with members during a walkout.
Officials with the union and the State System of Higher Education acknowledged that little progress has been made toward resolving disputes over economic issues, such as salaries and health benefits.
"Given the lack of progress to date, we must reluctantly begin to make other plans," Fulmer said, adding that the planned move does not mean the union will call for a strike in January.
The union and the administration have spent more than a year negotiating new work rules to replace a contract that expired June 30.
Among other proposals, the system has asked the professors to pay a portion of their monthly health insurance premiums, starting in the second year of a four-year pact.
The union wants to preserve its current plan and expand benefits to domestic partners.
New bargaining sessions have been scheduled for Dec. 12, 18 and 19.
The system's proposal would cost $32 million over the life of the contract, while the union's proposal would cost $100 million, system spokesman Tom Gluck said.
"A $100 million salary-and-benefit proposal is not one that the system or its universities can afford.
"It remains our hope that the union will rethink its economic proposals," Gluck said.