Canisius University professor's union calling for Friday morning picket
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Canisius University AAUP-AFT Local 6741 is calling for a picket and a teach-in Friday morning following "drastic cuts" recently announced by the university's president.
The picket at 9 a.m. will address the compensation members of the professor's union feel they deserve. They claim they have not received cost-of-living adjustments in the last ten years and that retirement and healthcare benefits have been "slashed" with no negotiations.
Canisius President Steve Stoute recently announced his intention to cut $15 million from the school's operating budget, according to the union. The teach-in at 10 a.m. is intended for students, alumni and faculty to come together to discuss the cuts and how they may harm the university.
"Such drastic cuts threaten not only the quality of education that students receive, but also the Jesuit identity of the university and, indeed, the very existence of Canisius," the union said in a statement. "As students and professors, we stand together to defend the quality and mission of our university."
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has over 50,000 members in 500 local chapters.
Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.