Panther fans do not have to worry about a potential faculty strike affecting Eastern’s athletic schedule.

According to Eastern Director of Athletics Rich McDuffie and Ron English, Ohio Valley Conference interim commissioner, a faculty work stoppage should not result in any cancellation of games.

“No, I don’t know how that would affect us,” McDuffie said. “I don’t foresee anything like that.”

English said he didn’t know of any situation that would cause teams to cancel games.

“I am not aware of any bylaws (concerning a faculty strike) in the OVC if there are any,” English said.

English also said there is no previous case to set a precedent for the situation.

“I don’t remember that ever having occurred,” English said. “I have been in the OVC 10 years, and that has not happened since I have been here.”

Eastern men’s basketball coach Rich Samuels said Southern Illinois University will make a good example. The faculty at Southern has scheduled a strike deadline for Monday.

Eastern’s faculty has not decided to strike yet. The faculty has supported strike authorization. The faculty must give notice to the Illinois Education Labor Relations Board and, following a 10-day waiting period, will set a strike date.