A last-minute mediation session averted a strike threatened by part-time professors at New York University for last Wednesday.
Negotiations between the union and the university began at 6:00 p.m. on Tues., April 20, and stretched until 6:40 a.m. the next morning.
“The hard work paid off,” said N.Y.U. spokesperson John Beckman.
Both sides declined comment on the details of the agreement. Scott Sommer, an official with the United Auto Workers Local 7902, which represents the adjunct professors, said that membership would be receiving the contract and would vote on whether to ratify the package.
“We’re always happy when our members don’t have to strike and can be in the classroom, where they like to be,” Sommer said.
Sommer said that the union’s 10-member bargaining committee unanimously recommended the contract’s approval. According to an April 21 N.Y.U. press release, the multi-year agreement provides a generous package of wage increases and benefits to the adjuncts, while ensuring the university retains the right to make all key management and academic decisions.
Part-time professors were prepared to strike for improved working conditions, better pay and health insurance and job security.
