Duquesne University police on strike after contract talks fail

Police at Duquesne University will go on strike Monday morning after negotiations Sunday failed to reach a contract agreement.

The strike was scheduled to begin at 7 a.m., Tribune-Review news partner WPXI reported.

The university and its police department, represented by Teamsters Local 249, have been in talks for nearly eight months — in a total of 19 meetings.

There are about 25 officers in the union. Unresolved issues include wages, retirement benefits and healthcare, WPXI reported.

Duquesne University Police and Security Guards are now on strike, after failed contract negotiations. #wpxi pic.twitter.com/ibgUD536S5

— Lori Houy (@WPXI_Lori) April 17, 2023

“They’re going to have to look themselves in the mirror they’re the ones who are pushing it to this point,” Teamsters Local 249 vice-president Keith Frank told WPXI on Sunday, prior to the final meeting.

Frank said the officers are underpaid.

The university released a statement late Sunday saying it had negotiated in good faith since August and is offering one of the most generous compensation packages in higher education in the region.

“While the union has stated an intention to strike, Duquesne remains committed to the negotiating process with commitment to reach a resolution with the union,” university spokesperson Gabriel Welsch said in a statement. “We respect the nature of the work our officers perform and value very much their professionalism and commitment to the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors.”

Welsch said university police Chief Eric Holmes has plans in place to ensure safety and maintain normal activities on campus.