Marathon negotiating session produces ‘some movement’ to avoid strike by ISU workers’ union

Posted on April 11, 2022

*AFSCME represents employees who work in dining and building services, and on campus grounds. (Photo courtesy HOI ABC)*

NORMAL – Some progress was reported Friday after 12 hours of negotiations between Illinois State University and the union representing about 350 employees, who have threatened a strike over wages.

A union spokesperson said Friday’s session was the longest since ISU and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1110 started negotiating a contract to replace one that expired in June of last year.

The session produced “some movement, but important issues remain unsolved,” said AFSCME spokesperson Anders Lindall, while the university posted on its website that “significant progress” was made.

AFSCME represents employees who work in dining and building services, and on campus grounds.

The union announced Thursday it filed an intent to strike notice, meaning employees can walk off their jobs on or after April 18,

The university issued the following statement:

On Friday, April 8, 2022, the parties met for their 25th negotiation session and the second with the assistance of a federal mediator. The session lasted approximately 12 hours and, although the parties did not reach an overall agreement, significant progress was made. The parties have agreed to meet again on Thursday, April 14th.

After Thursday’s session, the first with a federal mediator, the university said it had initiated “contingency planning activities to minimize disruption should a strike occur.”

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