Bargaining Update
Dozens of specialized faculty members filled the Illini Union Ballroom today to hear the administration’s bargaining team present their proposal on wages, benefits, and leaves.
We were disappointed to read a wholly inadequate proposal, one that fails to address the issues of fair compensation, workload, job security, and benefits that we have negotiated for since December.
The admin team proposed raising the salary floor from $47,500 to $51,500. This miniscule increase does far too little for our lowest-paid bargaining unit members. A Champaign Unit 4 teacher with a doctorate starts at $65K, so why should we earn less?
NTFC’s proposal involved a flat raise program that would guarantee a minimum dollar amount raise for all bargaining unit members, to promote pay equity. But the admin team rejected this and proposed a 1% merit pool. With inflation at 3-4%, this leaves most specialized faculty earning less and less each year, in real terms.
Admin’s proposal on Modified Teaching Duties is not satisfactory, but it’s a starting point. They proposed extending the benefit to Teaching (Assistant/Associate) Professors and Clinical (Assistant/Associate) Professors only, and only for childbirth and adoption. (We had proposed this benefit for all bargaining unit members, and for serious illness and bereavement as well as childbirth and adoption.) We will keep fighting so that all bargaining unit members can have access to modified teaching duties for life events!
The admin team also fully rejected our proposals on:
- Reimbursement program for gender affirming care
- Increasing funds for research and professional development
- Just cause for non-renewal
- Allowing specialized faculty to serve as principal investigators of research projects
Keep in mind: now that we’ve received their economic counter, this is just the beginning. Nothing is set in stone, except that they can’t unilaterally go back on something they’ve already conceded. So we will keep negotiating to get the best contract possible for specialized faculty!
In bargaining, six NTFC members bravely stood up and shared their stories of how these issues affect their lives, personally and professionally. Many thanks to Matt Schering, Kary Zarate, Amanda Bales, Katrina Gaffney, Michael VanCalbergh, and Bryan Dunne for testifying to your experiences and advocating for change.
Statement of Solidarity with Building Service Workers
While we were in bargaining this morning, Building Service Workers (BSW’s) represented by SEIU Local #73 were ordered to tear down the tents of peaceful protestors outside Alma Mater. We condemn the University’s actions in ordering BSW’s to participate in political (and potentially illegal) acts, without advising them of their right to refuse. We stand in solidarity with Building Service Workers, many of whom are upset at being obligated to participate in the suppression of free speech.
Solidarity Rally
This proposal from admin shows that they seem to think they can push specialized faculty around. Let’s show them how wrong they are!
Our Solidarity Rally for Campus Unions will take place on Thursday, May 2, 12-1:30pm in the Main Quad outside the Illini Union. Come and show support for NTFC and the other locals on campus that are currently bargaining (SEIU #73, AFSCME #698, and AFSCME #3700). There will be speeches from each union. All our members and supporters in the community are welcome to rally with us!
Next Session
At the next session, we will present NTFC’s counterproposal. All members are welcome to come.
- Friday, May 3, 9am-12pm
- Location: Illini Union, room 314A
