Tuesday, September 16 2008
This article in the
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that AFSCME representives in the State System of Higher Education say the system should have bargained with them prior to putting an outdoor smoking ban into effect at the 14 state-owned universities.
The system on Thursday began a new policy banning smoking indoors and out as a result of its interpretation of a new state law called the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act.
Council 13 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees has made a demand to the system that it bargain on the issue.
AFSCME represents about 2,500 clerical, custodial, maintenance, skilled labor and other workers on the schools' campuses.
Kenn Marshall, a spokesman for the State System, said yesterday that the smoking ban "is not something that is subject to bargaining." He added that system officials consider it a matter of state law and state law supersedes contract language.
Union upset by smoking ban at Pennsylvania-owned universities
