Faculty member Linda Strong holds a sign and mans the picket line along Wick Avenue near Youngstown State University this morning a short time after the faculty union went on strike. (Staff photo / Ed Runyan)

YOUNGSTOWN — Members of the faculty union at Youngstown State University took to the picket line along Wick and Lincoln avenues on the edge of the university at 8 a.m. today, holding signs saying “Support YSU faculty” and “YSU OEA: for a fair contract.”

Among them was Steve Reale, president of the union, who stood near two leaders of the Association of Classified Employees, who also held signs pointed toward the passing motorists.

Reale said he the union has done “everything we could to avoid this,” of having a work stoppage during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We tried multiple times to delay negotiations for a year. The administration insisted we stick to the initial timetable.”

He said the union’s last contract expired Aug. 17. Negotiations began last December, which is typical of when negotiations begin.

“The last thing the faculty wanted to do was to be on a picket line during a COVID crisis.

Reale said there are opportunities for “virtual picking” for faculty members whose immune systems are compromised. They can share their experiences in a “Zoom Room,” and the remarks will be broadcast through the union’s Facebook page.

The parties are planning negotiations this afternoon.