Members of Local 4100 of the University Professionals of Illinois began picketing Tuesday at Governors State University, joining colleagues at Chicago State University and Eastern Illinois University, where walkouts are also underway.
Mike Hart, president of the Governors State local, said both sides last had a bargaining session Thursday and another is scheduled for Wednesday.
The union said the main sticking points are wages as well as a large caseload being carried by faculty members who advise students at the University Park school. The local represents about 260 faculty and staff.
Governors State President Cheryl Green, in a statement, said the university is working to maintain regular class schedules.
“We have appropriate contingency plans we are following to minimize the impact of the strike,” she said.
Teachers and staff have been working under the terms of a previous contract that lapsed in August. The Illinois Federation of Teachers said 85% of Governors State local members took part in a strike authorization vote last month and 190 members voted to strike if no agreement is reached, while six opposed the move.
Both sides have been negotiating since last June, and a mediator has been involved in recent sessions.
“Since bargaining began this past summer we have made substantial progress and we remain optimistic we can reach an agreement,” Green said.
Hart said the union is trying to make up ground lost in prior contracts, when annual raises fell well below increases in the cost of living.
Union presidents, faculty members and students from Chicago State, Eastern Illinois and Governors State planned a rally at noon to call on administrations to bargain seriously and end these strikes.
