18 Apr Bargaining Update 4-17-19
Dozens of members observe bargaining between UICUF and UIC Administration.
- UICUF negotiators win longstanding proposal strengthening progressive discipline protections
- Merit raise figures and protections for NTT reappointment remain outstanding issues that must be settled to avert a strike next week
- Bargaining: Tomorrow, 2:30-5pm, at Student Center East, White Oak Room AB
- Sign up for picket line shifts here
We cleared some issues off the table today at bargaining, including one of our earliest proposals strengthening positive progressive discipline procedure with clear steps and protections for NTT faculty. Both sides also moved closer on merit raises. UICUF negotiators proposed a 2%|4%|4% merit schedule over three years, and admin countered by moving on this issue for the first time since bargaining began, offering 2%|2%|2%.
The new willingness by admin to move on merit comes with just one scheduled bargaining session left before a potential faculty strike next week. This is a trend in the right direction, but final merit raise figures are still under serious debate, and we are also still seeking stronger reappointment protections for our NTT faculty.
Bargaining will resume tomorrow, 2:30-5pm, at Student Center East, White Oak Room AB. Again, this is the last currently scheduled session before a potential strike next week, so members are highly encouraged to attend, observe, participate in critical caucusing with the team, and make strike signs.
Lastly, with the strong possibility that a strike could be called next week, we have set up a picket sign-up form. Members should sign up for as many shifts as they are able to attend if a strike is called, in lieu of your usual work activities.
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Our strike hashtags are #UICFacultyStrike #FairContractNow #Solidarity.
Until we win a fair contract, we will be issuing regular updates via email, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and here on our website. We encourage everyone to like and follow us on social media. If you want to contribute your story, pictures, video, or other content related to the activities of the union, email us at UICUnitedFaculty@gmail.com. With your support, we can make UIC an even better place to work and learn!