On the heels of the three-week faculty strike earlier this year, the Wright State board and administration could have another employee walkout on their hands.

The maintenance workers, technicians, custodians, and other workers of WSU’s Teamsters Local 957 just voted 84-6 to authorize a strike, if necessary. The strike authorization vote followed a vote of 87-3 to reject the fact-finder’s report. The bargaining unit represents 115 employees.

Big issues — salaries, health care, furlough policy, parking fee increases, and changes to seniority — are holding up a contract, and further negotiations are expected to be delayed until next year.

We support the Teamsters in their effort to achieve a fair contract for their members who make Wright State University run.

Is the Wright State board and administration willing to mar their institution again with another prolonged labor dispute and strike?