Rutgers University president threatens legal action if there isn't quick resolution to faculty strike
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. -- As the Rutgers University faculty strike continued Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy and other lawmakers called for a quick resolution.
Talks between three unions and the school's administration are ongoing at the governor's office in Trenton. Union leaders told CBS2 they are hoping for a deal before the weekend, but added the sides remain far apart on key issues.
READ MORE: Negotiations continue as Rutgers University and unions try to end strike
Part-time and full-time faculty were on the picket line for a second day. In New Brunswick, they marched around the campus demanding better pay for adjunct professors and graduate students, as well as better job security.
"We know Rutgers has the money to do this quite easily. Our demands are modest," Rutgers AAUP-AFT General Vice President Todd Wolfson said.
"It is very important that we treat everyone well and have equal wages for equal work," professor Radhika Balakrishnan said.
"I can't speak for everyone, but I think most of us are prepared to go as long as it takes for there to be fair working conditions," lecturer Melissa Reynolds said.
Members of the three unions representing 9,000 part-time and full-time workers at the university say they will continue their fight for numerous improvements.
"The pay here is horrendous for grad workers. We're docked at $27,000 a year. I don't think anyone's imagining these numbers when they get an undergrad degree, a masters, a doctorate, they'd be earning these numbers, and Rutgers needs to pay them for work," professor Dan Battery said.
New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin joined striking faculty members on Tuesday.
"I have a lot of respect for Rutgers. It's an extraordinary institution and it's time to get this ... it's time to bring this contract negotiation to a conclusion," Coughlin said.
READ MORE: At Rutgers-New Brunswick, students, teachers hope strike will end soon
Nearly 70,000 students across three campuses -- New Brunswick, Newark and Camden -- are caught in the middle of the negotiations. Many told CBS2 their classes have been canceled.
"We are just not physically going to class but still doing all of our work," sophomore Casey Russo said.
"This is their livelihood. This is how they feed their families. So I think it's very important for them to be able to express themselves," sophomore Jessica Bland added.
Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway declined an interview with CBS2, but said in a statement the school is negotiating in good faith. However, he added, "If there is no movement towards an agreement, we will have no choice but to take legal action to assure the continued academic progress of our students and prevent irreparable harm."
A court injunction would be unprecedented. Unions say it would send the wrong message.
"We are not going away or backing down until we get a decent raise," said Charlie Wowkanech, president of the N.J. AFL-CIO.
In his statement, Holloway said campuses are open and operating and that he is hopeful they can come to a quick resolution regarding outstanding issues.
