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:

argos listed on couponmatrix.ukluxplus listed on couponmatrix.ukmennace listed on couponmatrix.ukoak-furniture-land listed on couponmatrix.ukperfume-direct listed on couponmatrix.uktapas-revolution listed on couponmatrix.uk
argos listed on couponmatrix.ukFamous around the UK as the catalogue store where you can find everything from handy homewares to the latest toys for your tiny tots, Argos is one of the best-known stores in the UK with an unrivalled range of goods. With an Argos discount code from us, you can get your hands on any number of products, from phone chargers and speakers to baby clothes, at bargain prices. What’s more, with an Argos Card you can double down on your discount and wait until your next paycheck to pay, helping you get all the products you need without compromising on quality.
luxplus listed on couponmatrix.ukLuxplus is an online discount beauty retailer that offers luxury cosmetics products at affordable prices. You can find deeply discounted prices on cosmetics, fragrances, and skincare products. They offer a wide range of high-end brands at a fraction of the cost. Whether you're looking for a new foundation or a Luxplus discount on your favourite perfume, we have got you covered. You don't want to miss these offers! At Groupon, we work hard to find the best discount codes for our users. We know that saving money is important to our shoppers, so we partner with retailers like Luxplus to provide exclusive promo codes. To use a Luxplus discount code, simply enter the code at checkout when you're ready to pay for your purchase. Be sure to check back often for new discount codes, as we update our site regularly to find you the best price. The "Flawless Finish Foundation" from Luxplus is a top-performing product that provides full coverage with a natural finish. It's long-wearing and transfer-resistant, making it perfect for busy days or nights out. Use a Luxplus promo code to get this foundation at a discount, or take advantage of free shipping. Don't miss out on savings, check out all our offers - Now is the perfect time to treat yourself!
mennace listed on couponmatrix.ukMennace is a leading premium menswear brand, offering desirable fashions hot on-the-pulse of the latest trends, without the designer price-tag. Blurring the lines between smart and casual, Mennace stocks everyday basics like hoodies and jeans, in addition to one-time-purchase coats and jackets. Shop with a Mennace discount code and tidy up your wardrobe with classic shapes and styles for less. Add a sense of flair to your every outfit and take on the world with confidence.
oak-furniture-land listed on couponmatrix.ukOak Furniture Land is the UK’s largest retailer of solid oak furniture, with 100 nationwide locations and an online store stocking an even bigger selection. Invest in a timeless solid oak staple for less with an Oak Furniture Land discount code and refresh your home furniture that will stay beautiful for years to come. From dining sets and sofas to coffee tables and office desks, Oak Furniture Land has a stylish piece for every home.
perfume-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukGreat smells aren’t hard to come by, but finding one at the right price can be! When we’re in need of the perfect fragrance from our favourite designers, we look to Perfume Direct. Stocking deliciously scented men’s aftershaves and women’s perfumes from top brands, ensure that you have a Perfume Direct discount code to hand to save on seasonal scents and bestsellers today. With A-lister designer names like Calvin Klein, DKNY and many more available - you’ll find your fragrance in a flash.
tapas-revolution listed on couponmatrix.ukIndulge in Spain’s top cuisine at Tapas Revolution, where spicy paella, tacos and calamares fritos top the menu. Tapas is meant to be shared with a group, so get the gang together and order a spread with shangri and cocktails all ’round! The Tapas Revolution discounts we have at Groupon can keep your celebration costs down, so check here for a percentage discount on your food bill or a free drink to quench your thirst. A Tapas Revolution awaits from Bath to Newcastle, so you won’t need to travel far to get an authentic Madrid experience.