College, Faculty Reach Three-Year Agreement

(A joint release of Pennsylvania College of Technology and the Penn College Education Association)

Pennsylvania College of Technology and the Education Association representing the College's faculty have reached an agreement for a three-year contract which becomes effective Aug. 21.

The College's Board of Directors approved the agreement at their regular meeting April 13. Members of the Penn College Education Association ratified the agreement April 11.

The agreement, which extends through the 2002-03 academic year, calls for annual salary increases of 3 percent, plus some base and salary system adjustments for eligible faculty. In the first year of the contract, the average salary for the 245 faculty members will be approximately $56,400. The annual faculty payroll will increase from $13.3 million to $13.8 million in the first year.

Negotiations between the college and the association began in the fall and concluded mid-March.

"The Board is pleased with the agreement and with the process, which was reported to me as being very harmonious. Certainly, our ability to come together at this early date − the earliest, in fact, since our relationship with the Faculty Association began− indicates the level of cooperation and commitment on both sides," said Dr. Robert E. Dunham, chairman of the Board of Directors.

The contract also provides for an annual $25-per-credit-hour increase in part-time and overload rates for faculty. The current $700 per-credit rate will increase to $775 in the final year of the agreement.

In addition, faculty spouses and dependents will be added to current dental coverage and the College will increase its contribution toward premiums for existing health-care coverage to retirees with extended years of service. The College also will add one-quarter percent to its retirement contribution for eligible faculty in the third year of the contract.

PCEA president James E. Temple said, "This agreement is sensitive both to the faculty and to the needs of the College. We conducted our deliberations in an environment of mutual respect and with a focus on ensuring a strong future for faculty, students and the institution."

Temple, an assistant professor of electrical technology/occupations, and John R. Brunette, regional director for the Pennsylvania State Education Association, were principal negotiators for the faculty. Dr. William J. Martin, senior vice president, was the chief representative for the College administration.

Penn College President Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour commended the negotiators, saying, "I am happy that we will end this academic year knowing that we have a new contract in place. I feel sure that both the faculty and the administration will move forward with confidence as we seek to provide a quality educational experience to our students."