'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]

Tags:

alamo listed on couponmatrix.ukbathroom-takeaway listed on couponmatrix.ukcountry-attire listed on couponmatrix.ukradley listed on couponmatrix.ukskinny-tan listed on couponmatrix.ukthorpe-park listed on couponmatrix.uk
alamo listed on couponmatrix.ukAlamo have been pioneers of the car rental industry since 1973 and were the first to introduce a variety of car hire extras we now take for granted including Unlimited Free Mileage, the Waiver Saver collision damage waiver and real-time online booking. With an Alamo discount code, you can easily hire a car which is fun, new and high quality, without the high costs in a huge number of locations worldwide. So, whether you’re running around the city, need a comfortable SUV for a cross-country road trip or a minibus for a getaway with friends, Alamo has the perfect car for you.
bathroom-takeaway listed on couponmatrix.ukBathroom Takeaway is the UK's fastest growing bathroom retailer. We offer discount codes on a wide range of products to help you create your perfect bathroom. From taps and showers to toilets and basins, they have everything you need to make your dream bathroom a reality – especially with a Bathroom takeaway discount code from Groupon. Plus, with the brand’s fast and free delivery, you can be sure that your new bathroom will be up and running in no time. At Groupon, we know that everyone loves a good discount. We have a team of experts who are always on the lookout for new and exciting discount codes, so you can be sure that you're getting the best bathroom bargains. If you pick up something that you have second thoughts over, Bathroom Takeaway provide a 30-day money back guarantee, so there’s no need to worry! If you're looking for a great discount on Bathroom Takeaway products, then be sure to check out our voucher codes. We have a wide range of discount codes for all your favourite products, so you can be sure to find a great deal. Plus, we update our discount codes daily, so you never have to worry about missing out on a great deal! So why not visit our website today and start saving?
country-attire listed on couponmatrix.ukGreat Britain has a long tradition of country living and with it comes a culture and style that is the envy of the world. Take home the essence of this style with Country Attire, who offer the best of British – both contemporary and traditional. Choose from handcrafted heritage pieces and modern designs from top British brands including Barbour, Hunter, Vivienne Westwood and Trickers. It’s not just British brands they stock, you’ll find continental and global brands here too like Ugg, Ray-Ban and Hugo Boss. Shop using a Country Attire discount code and enjoy savings across their store on all of the best of British (and elsewhere).
radley listed on couponmatrix.ukRadley creates a range of distinctive handbags, from classy numbers to bold retro-inspired designs, all with the aim of showing off a little personality while still being functional. The likes of shoulder and crossbody options are available alongside clutches, totes and pocket bags to suit just about any style. Whether you’re looking for bags or accessories, remember to grab a Radley discount code from our collection first to help you shop for less.
skinny-tan listed on couponmatrix.ukGet natural, streak-free skin that looks good and smells like tropical coconuts with Skinny Tan. Created by women, for women, Skinny Tan wants to make sure everyone has a great tan from home without any harsh chemicals or difficult application. Use your Skinny Tan discount code to save on affordable and high quality tanning products for your face and body, or suncare and accessories. Get beautiful skin every time with the long-lasting, even fade from Skinny Tan.
thorpe-park listed on couponmatrix.ukThere's only one more thing more exciting than a trip to Thorpe Park - a whole weekend at Thorpe Park! Extend your visit and enjoy a second-day entry and tasty breakfast for free. Use one of our Thorpe Breaks discount codes to cut the costs of deluxe tickets, or catch your breath between rides with some delicious food from a Thorpe Park restaurant. Ditch the stress of cramming everything into one day - enjoy all the newest rides and old favourites at your own pace with an extended stay at Thorpe Breaks today.