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.  

To date, the parties have held 28 negotiation sessions, including two sessions with a federal mediator. A total of 17 tentative agreements have been reached.  

The University was notified February 11, 2026, that AFSCME Local 1110 membership rejected the University’s last, best, and final offer and response to all remaining open proposals. The AFSCME Staff Representative for Local 1110 indicated she will reach out to the University on or after February 23, 2026, to discuss next steps. The University anticipates a third mediation session with the federal mediator.

The result of the vote on February 10, 2026, is disappointing as the University believes its last, best, and final offer is a very strong and competitive offer. It ensures employees in the unit continue to be 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 five months (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.