Pa. university faculty seek strike authorization

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — The union representing faculty at Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities says it will seek strike authorization from members.

Officials of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties say delegates from each of the 14 campuses meeting in State College voted unanimously for the action Saturday.

Officials say a strike authorization vote by members will be held on each campus in November. There has never been a faculty strike.

The move comes amid stalled contract talks. On Monday, state higher education officials declined the union's offer for binding arbitration.

The two sides disagree on pay for temporary faculty, health care and retiree benefits. The last contract expired in June of last year.

The union represents more than 6,000 faculty and coaches at the universities, which serve about 120,000 students.

WPXI