A tentative agreement between the Sangamon State University faculty union and the Board of Regents reached Wednesday will prevent a strike.

The union, which was represented by the University Professionals of Illinois, Local 4100, and the Regents held a press conference Wednesday to announce an agreement has been reached regarding wages and benefits, Chancellor’s Assistant Cheryl Peck said.

The agreements reflect Fiscal Year 1992 and FY 93, she said.

SSU President Naomi Lynn was pleased with the settlement, Peck said. “The settlement freed the universities to move ahead with other projects,” she said.

Patricia Langley, chief negotiator for the SSU union, said a federal mediator was brought in after problems weren’t solved with negotiations.

Langley said it did not take long to reach the agreement.

The faculty will receive an increase in pay, according to the agreement.

The funding that will support the agreement for FY 92 will come from internal reallocation through delayed benefit payments, unfilled vacant positions, limitations on travel expenditures and further restrictions on equipment purchases, Peck said.

Internal reallocation also will occur for FY 93, but the agreement will be considered when budgeting for FY 93 begins.

A press release issued by the Regents and the union states, “these agreements demonstrate the commitment of the administration, the unions and governance to work cooperatively.”

Peck said the unions are expected to vote on the agreement next week.