YOUNGSTOWN - The union representing Youngstown State University's faculty called Wednesday's contract talks with the university unproductive. 

YSU-OEA officials said ongoing contract issues with YSU administration have stalled. The parties exchanged proposals but were too far apart to make meaningful progress. 

According to YSU-OEA officials, the administration's proposal ignores a large number of the recommendations made in a fact-finder's report done by Judge Betty Widgeon. They say the administration has made it clear that it has no intention of using the document as a framework for further negotiations.

YSU-OEA said it brought a new proposal to the table with some terms designed to meet the union's needs and some to meet those of the administration.

"Unfortunately, the administration seems determined to exploit the pandemic to push unnecessary, hasty and damaging proposals -- ignoring the common sense and evidence-based recommendations of Judge Widgeon," Mark Vopat, the YSU-OEA spokesperson said. 

Vopat said YSU-OEA will release evidence presented in the fact-finder's report -- including its report of the university's current operating budget -- Thursday.

Last week, YSU-OEA issued a 10-day intent to strike notice to YSU administrators. YSU-OEA said it views striking as a last resort -- but as a possible response if the YSU Board of Trustees reject the fact-finder's report, and the YSU administration seeks to impose a contract unilaterally.

Youngstown State University released the following statement regarding negotiations:

Negotiating teams for the Youngstown State University administration and faculty union met this afternoon to continue bargaining for a new three-year contract.

The faculty union’s most recent contract proposal includes annual pay increases that would cost the university $4.2 million compounded over the three years of the contract. It would be irresponsible for the administration to agree to such a proposal given the university’s financial circumstances:
 
  • $3.7 million drop in general fund revenue this fiscal year.
  • 31 employee layoffs.
  • Up 15 percent pay cuts for 481 non-faculty employees (majority cut by 10 percent).
  • 4.4 percent overall drop in enrollment this year
  • Freshmen enrollment down 5 percent in 2019 and an additional 8 percent this year.
  • The projected number of high school graduates for the five-county region that provides the vast majority of YSU’s student population is projected drop significantly in the next decade.
  • In addition, the further inpact of the ongoing global pandemic must be considered.

    Nevertheless, during negotiations on Wednesday, the administration presented a proposal to the faculty that includes salary increases.

Contract talks are set to resume Friday.