Eastern Illinois University faculty and staff slated to strike Thursday …

After an eight-hour bargaining session with administrators Monday, Eastern Illinois University union members are slated to begin striking Thursday.

“After our members saw the administration walk away from the table, we knew we had no choice but to move forward with a strike,” said EIU University Professionals of Illinois President Jennifer Stringfellow. “They managed to work out a deal for outgoing President (David) Glassman to become the highest-paid professor on campus — with the lightest course load. Yet they won’t give the faculty and staff who work closely with students every day adequate compensation, even as they ask us to take on more work.” Advertisement

Monday’s bargaining session primarily focused on key financial issues, including across-the-board raises, or a cost-of-living adjustment, for everyone in the union regardless of merit or performance.

Billy Hung, EIU UPI lead negotiator and a microbiology professor, said the union gave the administration a third offer on Monday, but the administration — through a mediator — said it would not be providing an answer and wrapped up for the day earlier than anticipated.

Advertisement

“We were shocked because we were expecting to keep going,” Hung said on Wednesday. “Assuming that they wanted to avoid a strike, they need to know that whatever they give us last is what our members will consider.”

According to EIU UPI officials, the administration offered a four-year contract with a 3.75% raise in the first year, 3% in the second and third years and 2.25% in the last year.

On the flip side, EIU UPI’s offer was an increase of 7%, 5%, 5% and 4% over four years.

“I am disappointed by the administration’s decision to stop the process — we managed to narrow our differences down to less than £900,000 per year over the length of the contract,” Hung said. “In dollar amount, we are not that far apart. We came a lot closer than we have before in just one day and that’s why we were caught off guard when they wanted to stop.”

The matter is made more frustrating considering the university’s financial position, Hung added. According to a financial audit report obtained by the Tribune, Eastern Illinois began the fiscal year with a surplus of £15.4 million.

After members overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike on March 10, EIU UPI filed its 10-day notice with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board.

Hung said the union still wanted to avoid a strike. Advertisement

“We lose wages when we strike and we have to make plans to change the rest of the semester when we strike in terms of our classes,” he said. “It is just a hassle — I can’t tell you how stressed I am today just to get everything in order.”

EIU joins Chicago State University, which has been on strike since Monday for fair compensation and adequate support for staff. UPI members at Governors State University have also been bargaining to secure fair contracts for several months.

Governors State has an additional bargaining session scheduled for Thursday and could strike as early as Friday.

Nursing instructor Dorothy Moore strikes with fellow Chicago State University faculty and staff on the school campus on April 3, 2023.

Nursing instructor Dorothy Moore strikes with fellow Chicago State University faculty and staff on the school campus on April 3, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Afternoon Briefing

Daily

Chicago Tribune editors’ top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon.

“We will stand strong on every campus so that students at Illinois public universities get the education they deserve,” John Miller, UPI president and Illinois Federation of Teachers vice president of higher education, said in a statement. “We must hold these institutions accountable to the fact that investing in our faculty and staff is a direct investment in students.”

EIU union members and university officials have been bargaining for more than a year, and faculty and staff have been working without a contract since September 2022.

The two sides bargain again on Friday.

In a statement on Wednesday, the university said it was aware of the union’s plan to strike.

Advertisement

“The University remains committed to reaching a good-faith resolution that sensibly balances its employees’ needs with the opportunity, accessibility, and quality education all EIU students and families have come to expect.”

The university added that plans are in place to help ensure students can finish the semester and graduate on time.

[email protected]

Tags:

blackpool-tower-and-circus listed on couponmatrix.ukclaire-s-accessories listed on couponmatrix.ukdonaghy-bros listed on couponmatrix.ukmanor-farm-animal-centre listed on couponmatrix.ukmr-porter listed on couponmatrix.uktom-hixson listed on couponmatrix.uk
blackpool-tower-and-circus listed on couponmatrix.ukWelcome to Blackpool Tower, one of Britain's most loved landmarks. Dating back to 1894, the tower has been an important centerpiece to Blackpool's tourism and for good reason. With events, a circus, a ballroom, and even a creepy dungeon, the tower is the perfect trip for many occasions. With your Blackpool Tower vouchers, now you can enjoy a fantastic day out for less. If you're brave you can walk to the top of Tower Eye and stare down see-through glass flooring, or perhaps instead partake in mini-golf at the tower, whatever it is, the tower is a perfect attraction for you.
claire-s-accessories listed on couponmatrix.ukYour outfit is never complete without the right accessories to finish it off, and Claire’s Accessories have them in abundance! With your Claire’s discount code, you can get your hands on the latest sparkly earrings, choker necklace, or fashion-forward nails without breaking the bank. Stocking products ranging from jewellery to hosiery and a one-of-a-kind ear piercing service with earrings for every birthstone and budget, Claire’s has everything your outfit could possibly need.
donaghy-bros listed on couponmatrix.ukWhenever your home needs enhancing with the best value appliances, think only of the friendly folks at Donaghy Bros. A Northern Ireland-based brand that offers nationwide delivery of items as far ranging as cookers and kettles, all a customer need to get an unbeatable price on their item of choice is the latest Donaghy Bros discount code from Groupon. From cooking to cleaning, Donaghy Bros can provide all sorts of electrical assistance for you and your home.
manor-farm-animal-centre listed on couponmatrix.ukTake a walk on the wild side and meet the many animals and activities of Manor Farm. Located on the outskirts of Loughborough, Leicester, this 25 acre family farm houses dozens animals to meet, from your standard farm favourites down to the smallest thing that slivers. With some Manor Farm vouchers families can visit on a budget or secure themselves some savings in the local café between activities. Whatever you choose to do, there’s fun to be had for everyone at Manor Farm.
mr-porter listed on couponmatrix.ukJoin the ranks of the stylish elite with a trip to Mr Porter. The number 1 sophistication destination for men everywhere, Mr Porter brings you the world's best designer labels on a fuss-free, inspiration-laden platform. Shop its range with a Mr Porter discount code from Groupon and you'll be sure to save money on your next piece of high-end tailoring and high-class footwear.
tom-hixson listed on couponmatrix.ukCalling all carnivores, Tom Hixson and its worldwide network of premier butchers are here to serve you! Supplying only the finest cuts of meats you know and love – be it beef, lamb, poultry or plenty else besides – rest assured you’re saving on some seriously good food with the latest Tom Hixson discount code to hand. Whether you’re holding a dinner party for close friends or getting the relatives together for some barbecued brisket, make your meat unmatched with a little help from Tom Hixson.