Strike averted as ISU and union staffers reach tentative agreement

Posted on April 15, 2022

*The breakthrough occurred during a 26th negotiating session, but terms of the deal are not being released pending a union ratification vote. (Photo courtesy HOI ABC)*

NORMAL – The union representing about 350 buildings, grounds, and food services workers at Illinois State University said they’ve reached a tentative agreement on wages, averting a threatened a strike.

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1110 said in a news release the tentative contract “advances the goals the union has been trying so hard to achieve at the bargaining table.”

The breakthrough occurred during a 26th negotiating session, but terms of the deal are not being released pending a union ratification vote. A federal mediator was recently called in to help break a stalemate that led to the union filing a 10-day intent to strike notice. Union members had been working under terms of a contract that expired in June of last year.

“The determination and unity of these dedicated ISU employees has resulted in a tentative agreement that will make ISU not only a good place to learn, but a better place to work,” said Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch in a prepared statement.

“That’s the power of collective bargaining for the greater good,” said Lynch.

“We are deeply appreciative of the outpouring of support that we received from students, faculty and members of other on-campus unions, which was so essential to our ability to achieve this agreement,” said AFSCME Local 1110 President and Building Service Worker Chuck Carver, also in a prepared statement.

ISU issued a statement late Thursday on its website.

“Illinois State University is pleased to announce we have reached a tentative agreement on the terms of a four-year contract (2021-2025) with AFSCME Local 1110, the Union that represents approximately 350 employees in the University’s janitorial, grounds, catering, dining center, and retail dining areas. ISU values the contributions of these employees and appreciates their service to the University and our students.

The Union bargaining committee has agreed to support and recommend this package to their membership for ratification. In the coming days, AFSCME Local 1110 members will vote to approve the terms of the agreement. Specific contract terms will be available for public release at a later time.”

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