The union representing faculty and professional staff at nine state colleges and universities has reached a tentative contract after 14 months of working without one. While the agreement, reached last Wednesday, was a relief for the Council of New Jersey State College Locals, the council’s president, Nicholas Yovnello, was killed in a car crash Saturday. Council of New Jersey State College Locals Executive Director Steve Young told NJ Today Managing Editor Mike Schneider that Yovnello’s passing was a tragedy for all involved. He also explained the new contract, calling the agreement “defensive,” and said it maintained the status quo in most areas.
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Young said the new deal is “a defensive contract” that didn’t provide the council any gains. “No union has made a gain in a contract with the state right now,” he said. He added that university presidents also offered an unprecedented number of proposals that Young said attacked the contract and some union rights.
“We have an unusual contract because no matter where you teach and no matter what you teach, whatever range and step you’re in, it’s equal,” Young said. “It provides equality for women, men, everything. And what you teach as well.”
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