23 Apr Press Release: UIC Faculty Win Contract, Avoid Strike
UIC Faculty Avoid Strike
Workplace rights and increased minimum salaries among key wins for union
CHICAGO – After nearly a year of bargaining, the union representing University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) faculty have reached a tentative contract agreement with the administration. Faculty previously authorized a strike, which would have begun tomorrow.
Aaron Krall, bargaining committee co-chair for UIC United Faculty (UICUF), said, “This contract will create an improved work environment for our faculty, and improved learning conditions for our students.”
The union secured key wins in this agreement, including increased minimum salaries and greater job protections for non-tenure track faculty.
“I am particularly excited about new policy protections for our Non-Tenure System faculty, who are integral to the teaching, research and service at UIC. This contract represents significant wins in an ongoing fight for the resources needed to fulfill UIC’s mission,” said Janet Smith, UICUF president.
The contract contains a 4 percent total raise pool per year, and includes specific funds set aside to target faculty equity and compression, which has increased in recent years due to a decade of underfunded salaries. The remainder of the pool is awarded for merit and will be distributed to faculty based on yearly performance reviews.
Kevin Whyte, bargaining committee co-chair, said, “The bargaining process has revealed systematic problems in how UIC is funded. We plan on working to correct these issues in future years.”
Over 90 percent of UIC students are Illinois residents. More than 70 percent of our students remain in Illinois after graduation, contributing to UIC’s position as an economic powerhouse in the state. UIC directly contributes $7.6 billion per year to the state economy (or 1 percent of the state’s gross product).
The UIC United Faculty (Local 6456) represents all full-time tenure and non-tenure track faculty at UIC. UICUF is affiliated with the Illinois Federation of Teachers.