Wright State Solidarity Picketing Event in Akron from KentWired.com on Vimeo.

Faculty union members from Kent State and the University of Akron gathered on Akron’s campus Tuesday in support of the ongoing strike at Wright State University.

The Wright State chapter of the American Association of University Professors began its strike on Jan. 22 and has yet to reach an agreement over contract negotiations.

“This is the time to stand together and support our colleagues in getting a fair contract,” said Pamela Schulze, the president of Akron-AAUP.

Participants in the picketing event held signs and passed out pins to people passing by.

An online petition is also available to sign and show support for Wright State.

“We are trying to keep our virtual picket line going,” Schulze said.

Melissa Zullo, the president of AAUP-KSU, said it was important to show solidarity with fellow faculty at Wright State.

Zullo and Schulze said they went to Dayton on Monday to walk on the picket line with Wright State faculty.

“It was enormous, there were hundreds of people there,” Zullo said. “Just to see the support they have as a faculty and students was tremendous.”

In regard to Kent State’s status, the administration and faculty union are also in the process of their own contract negotiations.

The university administration said Jan. 24 that AAUP-KSU rejected the most recent proposal.

“The university will continue to negotiate in good faith and work diligently toward a reasonable and fair agreement for our talented faculty,” according to an update posted on the university’s website.

Additional mediation sessions are to be scheduled and the fact-finding process will move forward. 

Lauren Sasala covers administration. Contact her at [email protected].