HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education has asked the state’s labor board to appoint a fact finder to help in negotiations with a union representing faculty at 14 state universities, but the union contends the move is a delaying tactic.

“We think it’s important to do everything we can to move these talks forward,” said Kenn Marshall, spokesman for the state system. “We want an independent third party to look at the proposals and make recommendations.”

The fact finder’s decision would be nonbinding, but Marshall said it could be used to help form a settlement.

The labor board could consider the request at its Friday meeting.

However, Kenneth Mash, the union’s president, said Tuesday that the move is just a stalling technique since faculty would be barred from striking until the fact finder’s report was issued. That could take up to 40 days, delaying the strike to final-exam time and causing anxiety for students.

Marshall dismissed the notion that asking for a fact finding was a stalling technique.

“It’s the exact opposite of a stalling tactic. It’s a tool to help achieve settlement,” he said.