ITHACA, N.Y. -- After 15 months of collective bargaining, union representatives for Ithaca College's contingent faculty and the administration have yet to come to an agreement on compensation.
"We're considering a strike vote as a necessary step to move forward at this point," said sociology instructor Sarah Grunberg.
Grunberg says those who are part-time make less money per-credit compared to those who work full-time. But the administration says rate of pay for part-time faculty to teach a three-course class is "among the highest for part-time faculty" in the area.
"It's disheartening that the union is threatening to disrupt the educational environment for our students without exploring and exhausting all possible options," said Ithaca College Spokesperson Dave Maley.
"If a strike were to happen, it would have an impact on the college on the way it does business, and that is our intention. It's not to harm the students, because the students are who we care about most here," said Grunberg.
A spokesperson with Ithaca College says the school has negotiated in good faith and will continue to take part in bargaining sessions.
"The college has asked that a federal mediator be brought in to assist in the bargaining to help both sides reach an agreement, and to date, the union has rejected that proposal," said Maley.
The contingent faculty countered by saying the bargaining has been "regressive" and that a strike vote could take place early next semester.
The next bargaining session is December 12.