Frequently Asked Questions
The following FAQs will be periodically updated as negotiations continue.
General FAQs
Who is part of the Local 1110 bargaining unit?
AFSCME Local 1110 represents approximately 350 employees at Illinois State University’s Normal, Illinois campus, primarily in janitorial, grounds, and dining positions.
Why are Illinois State University and AFSCME currently in negotiations?
The contract between Illinois State University and AFSCME Local 1110 expired on June 30, 2025, and the parties are negotiating wages and other terms and conditions of employment for a successor agreement. The contract is automatically extended during negotiations for the successor agreement.
This is a normal part of the labor-management relationship. Collective bargaining agreements are contracts entered into between management and unions, which delineate wages and other terms and conditions of employment for a specific period of time. When that time ends, it is normal for the parties to negotiate over the terms of a successor agreement.
When did negotiations begin?
The first negotiation session was held on April 3, 2025. To date, the parties have held 23 negotiation sessions.
What is the current status of negotiations?
To date, the parties have held 23 formal negotiations sessions. Of 44 proposals presented between the parties so far, they have reached 17 tentative agreements, and 10 proposals remain under discussion.
Are any additional meetings scheduled?
Three additional negotiation sessions are scheduled through the month of December, with the next negotiation session scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025. The contract is automatically extended during negotiations for the successor agreement. Additional negotiation sessions are scheduled for November 17 and December 1.
Is Illinois State University initiating contingency planning to prepare for a strike?
While we are hopeful and working hard to reach a contract agreement without a strike, the University is committed to minimizing any disruption to students, faculty, staff and community members throughout the negotiation process. Our contingency planning efforts include identifying alternate resources to perform duties normally performed by the AFSCME Local 1110 bargaining unit.