Temple, TUGSA reach tentative agreement, university says

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Temple University and the union representing graduate student workers have agreed to a tentative contract, the university said Friday night.

The Temple University Graduate Students Association (TUGSA) will present the contract for a ratification vote in the coming days, according to the university.

According to Ken Kaiser, Temple's senior vice president and chief operating officer, the tentative agreement includes "an increase to minima this year, a one-time payment effective this month, and increases to minima in the upcoming three academic years."

"We are pleased with the outcome and eager to welcome our students back to their teaching, research and studies," Kaiser said in the announcement.  

In the announcement, Kaiser said TUGSA members would retain health coverage throughout the agreement.

The university said it would reimburse TUGSA members for health care costs and also reinstate tuition remission.

Kaiser said TUGSA also agreed to withdraw claims of unfair labor practices.

In response to Temple's announcement, TUGSA said on Twitter the "strike is not over until members ratify a new contract."

The union wrote on Twitter, "Since the beginning of negotiations, we had an open and democratic process with members where members decide how the union moves forward. The strike is not over until members ratify a new contract."

TUGSA members went on strike on Jan. 31.

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