YSU faclulty reach tentative agreement just days before classes start

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University and the union representing its faculty have reached a tentative agreement on a three-year contract, clearing the way for fall classes to start without labor strife looming.

A joint statement was released Friday afternoon from the university and the YSU-Ohio Education Association.

No details were released.

The statement followed a meeting Friday between the negotiating teams to resolve remaining issues.

“YSU President Jim Tressel said he extends his thanks to members of the faculty negotiation team for their diligence in contract talks and their continued commitment to the university,” the statement read. Tressel also thanked the administration negotiation team for its hard work and dedication on behalf of the university and its students.”

The agreement must be approved by the union and university trustees — a process that could take a few weeks.

Meanwhile, the contract between YSU and the classified employees’ union has been extended through Sept. 30, with negotiations continuing, said Ron Cole, a university spokesman.

The university’s contract with the Association of Classified Employees had been set to expire Friday.

Fall semester classes begin Wednesday.

Read more about the new agreement in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.