Union panel approves tentative SSHE faculty pact

(Harrisburg) -- A union negotiating committee has unanimously approved a tentative contract agreement affecting about 5,500 faculty members at state-owned universities in Pennsylvania.

The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties said the panel made up of union leaders from the 14 campuses has approved the proposal during a statewide teleconference. The agreement with the State System of Higher Education will now be presented Friday in Gettysburg to the union's legislative assembly, which could send it to the rank and file for ratification.

The four-year deal mirrors the agreements reached by Governor Corbett and the other statewide unions and includes changes to the health care plan. Details are to be released after the ratification process is complete.

Four midstate universities are part of the SSHE: Bloomsburg, Kutztown, Millersville and Shippensburg.