06 Mar We Shouldn’t Have to Strike to Get a Fair Contract
- Grad workers ready to go on strike indefinitely, as faculty negotiations go to mediation
- Fraught relations with unions are a reminder of UI System’s history of provoking strikes
- Faculty to rally and picket, appeal to UI BOT: “Don’t make us strike to get a fair contract!”
- SIGN-MAKING PARTY: w/free pizza! Mon, 3/11, 5-7pm @UIC Latino Cultural Center
- RALLY AND INFO PICKET: Thurs, 3/14, 11:30am-1pm @University Hall
History Repeats Itself
At our last negotiating session, the Administration team agreed to join us in seeking mediation, acknowledging the deep divide that remains between the two sides. Meanwhile, grad workers, who’ve bargained for a year without meaningful progress on their most important issues, have resoundingly authorized an indefinite strike. Provoking mediation and strikes is not a negotiating record to be proud of, yet this seems to be the UI System’s standard operating procedure. Just last year, grad workers at UIUC were forced to go on strike to protect tuition waivers, and win fair raises. Before that, faculty at UIS, UIUC, and here at UIC, all had to strike to get their first contracts. While not surprising, it is disappointing that UI’s labor relations strategy has once again brought one union to the brink of a work stoppage, while our own union is forced to consider a similar route.
Time to Turn the Page
With that clear pattern of behavior looming over our negotiations, UICUF is making a strong appeal to the UI Board of Trustees, and our Administration, to change the narrative. New board members will be taking their seats on the UI Board of Trustees next Thursday, and letters from the union are already in the mail welcoming them, but also laying out clear expectations that they must do better for unionized workers at all our campuses. It is high time to turn the page on the toxic stance the UI System has taken towards its employees.
To ensure this message is heard, we will have a rally and informational picket at UIC, as the board meets in Urbana. Our goal is to change the status quo, in favor of a more collegial future. To reach that future though, UIC’s unions need fair contracts now. The rally will be held Thursday, 3/14 at 11:30am outside of University Hall, followed by a picket at noon. Members and allies are encouraged to join us in sending the message to the BoT and Administration: “Don’t make us strike to get a fair contract!”
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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!
