ISU starts ‘contingency planning’ after union workers file 10-day intent to strike notice

Posted on April 8, 2022

*Another bargaining session is scheduled for Friday. (Photo courtesy HOI ABC)*

NORMAL – Illinois State University says the union’s filing of a 10-day intent to strike notice is a “disappointing development” and in an abundance of caution has started contingency planning in case workers represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 1110 go on strike.

ISU released a statement on the website intended to update the public on contract negotiations with the union representing approximately 350 employees working in campus dining, grounds, and building services.

The strike notice follows a vote on March 25 by AFSCME Local 1110 union members after 96 percent of members voting authorized their bargaining committee to call for a strike if necessary.

“We were stunned that management barely moved in bargaining today,” said building service worker Chuck Carver, the president of AFSCME Local 1110, in a statement provided to Heart of Illinois ABC. “They seem totally indifferent to the potential disruption of a strike.”

Filing a strike notice with the state Labor Relations Board was the next step required by law before a work stoppage could occur. The employees’ union bargaining committee delivered the notice to university management at the parties’ negotiating session in Normal Thursday.

Under the law employees could now strike as soon as Monday, April 18, if an agreement is not reached. Another bargaining session is scheduled for Friday.

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