On Monday, nearly 30 Duquesne University police officers and security guards went on strike after almost eight months of negotiations and 19 meetings. 

Duquesne University issued a statement on Sunday in response to the negotiations, stating they offered the highest guaranteed wage increase since the 2001-2006 contract.

“We are not going anywhere. We are in this fight because we know what these officers deserve. This day and age, these police officers, they go out and risk their lives every day,” said Keith Frank, vice president of Teamsters Local 249, to CBSNews. 

Frank also told WPXI-TV that the university “wants to take away our retirement. They won't take concessions in this day and age. They want to take our healthcare away, so wages are not the sticking point; wages are part.” 

The statement issued by Duquesne University:

“Duquesne University has participated in good faith contract negotiations with the union representing our police officers and security guards since August 2022. We have appreciated their willingness to talk through offers and scenarios during that time. In addition to several tentative agreements reached with the committee that would enhance working conditions, Duquesne also recently presented an offer that included the highest guaranteed wage increases since the 2001-2006 contract. The University’s total compensation package offered most recently to our police officers and security guards is among the most generous in higher education in our region and includes other significant compensation and incentives. While the Union has stated an intention to strike, Duquesne remains committed to the negotiating process with a commitment to reach a resolution with the union. 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. Duquesne University Chief of Police Eric Holmes has robust plans in place to ensure safety and help maintain normal activities on campus,” said Gabriel Welsch, executive vice president of marketing and communications.