Western Illinois University Faculty Union Members Ratify New Agreement

Share

Faculty and academic support professionals who are members of WIU University Professionals of Illinois (WIU UPI, IFT Local 4100) voted to ratify their new contract this week. Approximately 98% of voting members accepted the agreement, which was tentatively settled in July after 10 months of bargaining.

Patrick McGinty, president of WIU UPI and a sociology professor at Western, praised the agreement, saying, “I’m proud of the work we did to secure a contract that is not only good for our members, but also for our students and the entire WIU community. The proposals within the final contract will result in more support for students and more inclusive opportunities to learn. Investing in our educators by paying a fair wage helps to retain the wonderful faculty members we have and attract even more high-quality professors to teach WIU students, and I’m particularly proud of how this raise will help our academic support professionals, who bring so much value to the student experience yet have struggled the most with stagnant wages in recent years.”

The contract includes raises averaging 10.5% by the end of the three-year agreement and measures that will enhance student access to personalized attention in the classroom, professional mentoring by faculty, and expanded support for undergraduate research or similar professional experiences. Additionally, the university has committed to partnering with the union to develop a summer bridge program that will boost new student retention by providing extra assistance for those who need more support to achieve success in college.

“This contract is a step in the right direction for the WIU community, and I’m thrilled that the university and our WIU UPI team were able to reach an agreement at the bargaining table,” said UPI Local 4100 President John Miller. “Our members at Chicago State, Eastern, and Governors State were forced to the strike lines earlier this year to achieve a fair contract, and those at Northeastern came close. The strides made there and at Western prove that listening to and investing in faculty and staff will have a direct, positive impact on our students. On every campus, UPI members will continue to stand up to support our university students and show that we are fully committed to reversing the decades of disinvestment in higher education.”

University officials will vote on whether to approve the contract at the September 27 Board of Trustees meeting. 

***Courtesy of The Illinois Federation of Teachers***

Spread the word

Trending Now

Featured News Podcasts

Subscribe to our Community Newsletter

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Prairie Communications, 55 Public Square, Monmouth, IL, 61462, https://977wmoi.com/. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Choose a Category

Continue Reading

Be Storm Ready

When the severe weather hits, it is best to be prepared. Monmouth Fire Chief Casey Rexroat offers this guidance when it comes to putting together an emergency kit for your

I-74 Bridge Replacement Begins March 24

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that construction on the Interstate 74 bridges over the Spoon River, just west of the Spoon River Rest Area in Knox County, begins March

Cell Phone Ban Legislation Clears Senate Committee

By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Legislation that would prohibit public school students from using cell phones and other wireless communication devices during class time cleared a Senate committee