Negotiators for Pennsylvania's state-owned university system and the union representing about 5,500 faculty members say the framework is in place for a new contract.
 
The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties said the accord with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education was reached early Sunday after two full days of negotiating.
 
The union offered no details pending a vote this evening by its negotiations committee. The system said more information would be released as the ratification process moves along.
 
The union members have been working without a contract at the 14 state-owned universities since June 2011, and had authorized a strike if necessary.
 
Issues such as health care, class sizes and distance learning have been sticking points.