PSC’s Patience Grows Frayed By Pact Delay

PSC's Patience Grows Frayed By Pact Delay

By HOWARD MEGDAL

While many of the issues on the table have been resolved, the Professional Staff Congress and City University of New York management have yet to reach an agreement on a number of contract matters, including the economic package, leading to a renewed sense of urgency for the PSC.

The talks are further complicated by the fact that any PSC settlement must be acceptable not only to CUNY management, but the city and state as well.

Progress But No Cigar

"We reached a series of agreements," PSC President Barbara Bowen said in a Dec. 7 phone interview. "We have come to conclusion on many issues. But we have not come to an agreement on the full economic package. There are some remaining important pieces still being ironed out, and we're working with CUNY management, city and state to do so."

Despite the progress that has been made, Ms. Bowen is feeling more pressure from her members to get a deal. The PSC has now gone more than three years without a contract, and more than four years without a raise.

"I'm feeling the urgency of the members," Ms. Bowen said. "I recently went to a chapter meeting. The room was packed, and they passed a unanimous resolution that it was time to get this done."

The PSC had set a Nov. 3 deadline to determine whether to put forward a referendum to strike, but the executive board determined that enough progress had been made to continue bargaining.

'Gone on Long Enough'

Ms. Bowen has sounded optimistic throughout this process, but her patience is clearly being tried.

"It's not a question of optimistic or not optimistic," the PSC leader said. "This has gone on long enough. We held off on a referendum for a strike, but it's time to get a contract, and get fairly compensated for our work."

"I know that CUNY management is also feeling a sense of urgency," she added. "I hope that translates into a contract." A CUNY spokesperson did not return calls seeking comment.