On March 6 at 5 p.m., the Youngstown State University Association of Classified Employees voted to ratify a tentative agreement reached between their bargaining team and the administration of YSU. 62 percent of the voting membership ratified the agreement. The tentative agreement managed to protect the vacation days the administration sought to eliminate and creates a buy-back program for unused vacation time. Wages however, still leave much to be desired, as starting salaries remain below market value.
HaSheen Wilson, spokesperson for YSU-ACE, said bargaining has been in the process for almost a year and there are still advancements that need to be made with YSU administration.
“We are proud of the effort put forth by our team in bringing back the best contract language they could under the circumstances. This contract marks a step in the right direction, despite nominal pay increases,” Wilson said. “YSU-ACE has always been an integral part of student success and the fabric of the YSU community. We look forward to building relationships and bridging gaps in the future.”
YSU-ACE president Connie Frisby said, “I do feel we turned a corner and are heading in the right direction.”
The YSU Board of Trustees’ university affairs committee voted Wednesday to approve the tentative contract.