YSU faculty OKs strike authorization, no confidence in trustees and administration

YOUNGSTOWN

Members of the Youngstown State University faculty union approved a strike authorization this afternoon.

At issue in negotiations is health care.

The faculty union also took a vote of “no confidence” in the university’s board of trustees and administration.

Strike authorization doesn’t mean, however, that a strike is imminent.

A fact-finding session on the health care issue is set for Nov. 10, after which the union must wait for a factfinder's report, which could take up to 14 days.

If that factfinder's report is rejected by either side, the union must notify the State Employment Relations Board of the strike notice. After that step, the union may strike at any time after a 10-day period.

Another bargaining session is set for Tuesday as both sides try to work out an agreement.