'We Lose Wages When We Strike' – Chicago Tribune

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.”

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.

“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.

“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.

“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]

bier-company listed on couponmatrix.ukhurleys listed on couponmatrix.uksnaptrip listed on couponmatrix.uksuit-direct listed on couponmatrix.uktoucanbox listed on couponmatrix.ukyappy listed on couponmatrix.uk
bier-company listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen your senses lust for fresh flavours other than your favourite lagers, take a trip through the independent craft beer breweries of the UK with Bier Company. As the gateway to dozens of unique and innovative takes on craft beer, there’s a whole world of delicacies just waiting to be bought for less with a Bier Company discount code. With a variety of tasty snacks, monthly deliveries from different breweries and special seasonal cases up for grabs, accept nothing but the best from Bier Company.
hurleys listed on couponmatrix.ukOur Hurley discount codes can help fashion-savvy customers bag some hefty discounts on all sorts of big-name designer items. Grab a Hurley discount code to help pick up some savings on an array of big-name brands and the latest styles. Hurley is a fantastic retailer offering a great range for men, women and children from brands such as Armani Jeans, Boss, Ted Baker, Barbour and more.
snaptrip listed on couponmatrix.ukEnjoy last-minute self-catered cottages and apartments with Snaptrip and make your spontaneous holiday a getaway to remember. Stay in the UK and explore Britain's natural wonders, including the Brecon Beacons, Lake District, Dartmoor, or go further afield and bathe in the rich culture of France, Italy or Spain. Simply book with a Snap promo code and receive a generous discount on your reservation. Whatever your location or budget, Snaptrip has a brilliant holiday deal for you.
suit-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukFed up of spending hours suit shopping? Whether you need an everyday suit for work, an upcoming wedding, or any other formal event, you’ll find plenty of stylish, quality, well-fitting apparel at Suit Direct. As one of the fastest growing suit retailers in the UK, your Suit Direct discount code will help you leave the days of struggling to decide what to wear behind you. Suit Direct is dedicated to dressing men well so you can always look and feel great, whatever the occasion.
toucanbox listed on couponmatrix.ukWelcome to Toucanbox, a monthly subscription service for kids ages 3-8 that delivers boxes of fun, creative projects right to your door. Bring along a Toucanbox discount code and you get off to a great start by saving on your first delivery! Each box includes all the materials and instructions needed to complete two or three unique projects, perfect for rainy days or after-school activities. There’s even a magazine in every box packed with stories, puzzles and activities to add an extra element of fun!
yappy listed on couponmatrix.ukSet tails wagging with Yappy, the best destination for personalised pet gifts! Offering a wide range of products designed to keep your furry friends happy and healthy, Yappy also specialises in tailor-made items like cushions and bowls for your pet, or books and games for your human friends. Enter your pet’s name and choose an illustration that best represents your dog or cat to get started. We’ll help you save money on these unique gifts with a Yappy discount code – keep our page bookmarked and you’ll never miss a single deal!