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Illinois State University
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Status of Negotiations with AFSCME Local 1110

Fiscal Year 2026 Successor Contract Negotiations Status

These negotiations are regarding wages and other terms and conditions for a successor agreement to the contract between Illinois State University and AFSCME Local 1110 that expired on June 30, 2025. The contract is automatically extended during negotiations for the successor agreement. 

On Thursday, March 26, 2026, AFSCME Local 1110 provided the University Notice of Intent to Strike, which may occur on or after Wednesday, April 8, provided all legal and timing requirements have been met. The University recognizes and respects the important contributions of the employees in the bargaining unit and will continue to work diligently to reach a fair and fiscally responsible agreement that addresses the concerns raised by the Union. We are also committed to the principle that the University must remain fiscally prudent, resilient, and sustainable for the long term. This means, we must balance expenditures against revenues and strive to offer competitive wages, while seeking to remain affordable for students and families.

Since negotiations began on April 3, 2025, the parties have held 29 negotiation sessions, that include three sessions with a federal mediator.  Through negotiations and with the mediator’s guidance, the parties have reached tentative agreements covering a majority of topics, while making significant progress on the remaining open issues. The University continues to believe its last, best, and final offer, presented on January 30 and reaffirmed on March 17, is a very strong and competitive offer. It ensures employees in the unit are paid above the median base pay for similar positions in the local marketplace and it positively addresses numerous other union demands. Key changes in the last, best, and final offer include:

  • Five-year contract with guaranteed annual wage increases for all employees in the bargaining unit.

    • Because there is no retro, the first two increases will take place within the next 12 weeks (at ratification and on July 1, 2026). This results in employees receiving a 15.5% increase to their base pay between now and July 1, 2029 (16.5% compounded).

  • One-time $350 lump sum payment for successful ratification of the agreement.

  • 30% increase in shift differentials for employees who work a shift that starts between 2 p.m. and 9:59 p.m. and a 50% increase in shift differentials for employees who work a shift that starts between 10 p.m. and 4:59 a.m.

  • 50% increase in training differentials paid to employees who are assigned to participate in providing training to new status employees.

  • 50% increase in the differential paid to building service workers assigned to the Special Services Crew.

  • Expansion of the list of classifications that qualify to receive a safety shoe/boot allowance.

  • Expansion of the list of classifications that qualify to receive winter apparel for working outside in the elements.