PA higher education officials, faculty union talks progress

(Pittsburgh) — Pennsylvania higher education officials and the union representing state university faculty are reporting progress at the bargaining table. 

Members of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties have been working without a contract for about 18 months.

Union leaders met with management Friday for the first time since December 11.

Both sides reported progress but that no deal has been reached. Additional bargaining sessions are scheduled for January 16 and 17.

Officials at the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education say they need to control costs during tight economic times.

The system serves about 115,000 students on 14 campuses across the state, including Kutztown, Millersville, and Shippensburg.