State university workers reach tentative contract with Pa. university system

The union representing 700 state university employees who work in admissions and financial aid, residence life, career services and other student support has reached a tentative contract agreement with the State System of Higher Education.

The pact involving members of the State College and University Professional Association (SCUPA) would span four years and take effect once ratified by labor and management, according to State System officials.

Details were not released.

Frances C. Cortez Funk, president of SCUPA and a Kutztown University employee, could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.

In addition to PennWest University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Slippery Rock University, the 10 system universities covered by the agreement would include Cheyney, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg, Kutztown, Millersville, Shippensburg and West Chester universities.

Word of the deal comes a week after the State System and the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties reached a tentative agreement on their negotiations for a four-year contract.

The agreement involving SCUPA, like the agreement involving professors, requires approval by rank-and-file members and the State System board of governors.

Both unions have been working under the terms of their previous contracts, which expired June 30.