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 the University’s janitorial, grounds, catering, dining center, and retail dining areas.

Why are ISU and AFSCME currently in negotiations?

The contract between Illinois State University and AFSCME Local 1110 expired on June 30, 2021, and the parties are negotiating over wages and other terms and conditions of employment for a successor agreement. The contract is automatically extended during the entire period of 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?

In April 2021, the parties mutually agreed to wait until the fall semester to begin negotiations. The first negotiation session was held on October 4, 2021.

I've heard the Union has met with their members about the possibility of a strike and took a strike authorization vote. Will there be a strike?

While a strike is always possible, the University remains optimistic that the parties will reach agreement without a strike.

What is a strike authorization vote?

A strike authorization vote gives the Union the option to call for a strike. Holding a strike authorization vote is a normal part of the negotiation process. It is important to emphasize that, while an affirmative strike authorization vote means the Union has the option to call for a strike, it does not mean they will call for a strike.

What is a Notice of Intent to Strike?

A Notice of Intent to Strike is the legally required ten-day advance notice that a Union must provide the University and the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board in order to conduct a legal strike. A Notice of Intent to Strike does not necessarily mean the Union will strike. If the parties engage in mediation, mediation is unsuccessful, and a Notice of Intent to Strike has been provided, the Union can engage in a strike that may legally begin on or after the tenth day following the Notice of Intent to Strike, if all other legal criteria are met. On April 7, 2022, the Union provided the University with a Notice of Intent to Strike that would allow the Union to engage in a strike on or after April 18, 2022. A Notice of Intent to Strike does not mean the Union will strike. However, in an abundance of caution, the University has initiated contingency planning activities to ensure the University’s ability to minimize disruption should a strike occur.

Can employees withhold their labor outside of a legal strike?

It would be a violation of both the contract and the law for an employee to withhold their labor unless the union has met all requirements for a legal strike. Participants in an illegal strike (which could include, but is not limited to, actions such as failing to report for work, engaging in a work slowdown, or engaging in a “sick-out”) may face discipline or legal sanctions.

I heard that ISU has initiated contingency planning. What does that mean?

We are hopeful and working hard to reach a contract agreement without a strike. We are committed to minimizing any disruption to students, staff and community members should a strike occur. Our contingency planning efforts include identifying alternate resources to perform duties normally performed by the AFSCME Local 1110 bargaining unit. We will prioritize essential functions, such as dining hall food service and cleaning of high-traffic campus locations. Information about any changes in service or hours will be communicated to impacted parties directly.

The Union has publicly stated the University has made "very little movement at the table, especially on wages". Is this accurate?

The University does not agree with the Union’s characterizations. As of April 8, 2022, the parties have reached tentative agreement on a total of 17 proposals through collaborative negotiations. The Union first passed their proposals on wages and other economic items during the parties’ 11th negotiation session on December 9, 2021. Since that time the University has engaged the Union in meaningful dialogue concerning these demands, and the University has provided the Union with responses that would provide significant guaranteed annual increases for all employees in the bargaining unit, particularly those in lower-paid classifications. The University remains prepared and ready to continue meaningful negotiations.