The negotiation set for Tuesday afternoon between the Youngstown State University faculty union, YSU-OEA, and YSU administration was delayed after both parties had to begin the session by addressing and correcting an error made Monday.

Following Monday’s negotiations, the YSU Administration sent out a contract proposal document to the union that differed from the one presented during the session.

On Tuesday, the university administration explained that an internal miscommunication error occurred, which led to the difference in documents. Due to the error, the session began with another discussion of the administration’s Monday proposal before negotiations moved forward.

The YSU-OEA passed a new counterproposal across the table Tuesday and agreed to return to the table at 9 p.m. to hear the YSU administration’s response.

“We had left Monday’s meeting optimistic that we were much closer to finalizing a tentative agreement before classes restarted Wednesday. Unfortunately, this mistake cost both parties time, but the good news is we seem to be back on track and we are hopeful that Administration will bring us a deal this evening that all parties can agree on,” YSU-OEA President Steven Reale said.

If the parties are unable to come to an agreement during Tuesday night's negotiations, the strike will extend into Wednesday and negotiations between the parties will resume at 1 p.m.

Even in a tentative agreement is reached, YSU-OEA union spokesperson Dr. Mark Vopat said it's very unlikely all the union members will be brought together for a vote Tuesday night. Vopat said they will likely remain on strike but may call off the picket line. 

According to the university, most classes at YSU will resume on Wednesday even if the faculty remain out on strike. Unless you are notified otherwise by the department chair, your classes will meet as scheduled. 

The university says classes will be covered by faculty who have chosen not to go on strike, other qualified instructors or via other educational formats. Students should continue their assigned work.

The university asks students to monitor their YSU email and Penguin Alerts for updates.