'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]

bradshaws-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukbritish-airways listed on couponmatrix.ukfetch listed on couponmatrix.uktrivago listed on couponmatrix.uktrusted-travel listed on couponmatrix.ukwex-photographic listed on couponmatrix.uk
bradshaws-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukGive your garden pond the maintenance and nourishment it needs to thrive at Bradshaws Direct, experts in all things related to water gardens. Find filters, pumps, pond liners and more, and secure savings with the latest Bradshaws Direct discount code. Even if you’re just looking to integrate some water-based plants or features to augment your garden setup, Bradshaws Direct has you guaranteed to make a splash without breaking the bank. At Groupon, we understand that saving money is important to our customers. That's why we work hard to find the best discount codes and voucher codes for Bradshaws Direct products. We know that our customers rely on us to help them save money, so we take our utmost to provide you with the best ways to cut the cost of your pond's maintenance. With our extensive selection of discount codes, we're sure to have something to help you save on your gardening plans. There are all sorts of small attachments and tools needed to maintain a healthy pond, luckily enough this is exactly where Bradshaws Direct excels. Whether you need a watertight liner to create a clear boundary, a filter for cleaner water or sealant to patch-up leaks, a Bradshaws Direct voucher code is all you’ll need to save on an array of water gardening essentials. There’s always something more you can do to enhance your water garden, so turn to Bradshaws Direct whenever you need expert equipment.
british-airways listed on couponmatrix.ukTravel around the world on the British Airways global network. Hop across the pond to the US, discover the Far East, or discover everything Africa has to offer, all with British Airways. It’s never been easier to explore the world around us and your British Airways discount code means you can do so without breaking the bank! Book flights, hotels and more directly through their website and take care of your whole journey in one easy place.
fetch listed on couponmatrix.ukStock up on all of your pet essentials at Fetch. As Ocado’s online store designed especially for your furry friends, Fetch is your go-to for all of the food, toys and accessories you need to keep your precious pet happy and healthy. Make the most of a Fetch voucher code to save on your next shop - with these great deals, you can afford to splash out on a treat or two for your family’s best friend!
trivago listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen it comes to finding the best prices for hotels, few of us have the time to scour every holiday site on the internet. Luckily, trivago is here to do all the hard work for you! Search for your dream hotel in destinations across the globe and trivago will compare prices from hundreds of leading travel agents to find you the best deal. Book with one of our trivago deals and enjoy a top-rated trip for a fraction of the price. With over 1.8 million hotels in over 190 countries to choose from, your next holiday will be the best one yet.
trusted-travel listed on couponmatrix.ukGet your holiday off on the right foot with Trusted Travel and take the hassle out of booking airport parking, lounges and transfers online. Don’t forget to look for a Trusted Travel discount code from us before you get to work ticking off your to-do list, and you could save a packet on these travel essentials and join more than 150,000 happy customers. With a wide range of parking solutions and VIP lounges at all major UK airports, you can sit back and let Trusted Travel take care of the details, each and every time you fly.
wex-photographic listed on couponmatrix.ukPhotography is such a special thing. It captures fleeting moments in life and preserves them for ever. These magical machines called camers that let us preserve these moments in time are just as impressive today as when they first appeared in 1816. When you use a Wex Photographic discount code you’ll find incredible savings on hundreds of cameras. With over 19000 products, Wex Photographic is the most comprehensive photography shop where you’ll find digital and film cameras, tripods, filters, lighting and everything else you’ll ever need to keep yourself snap-happy.