Dear UIS Community,

We want to provide an update on the continued collective bargaining with the union representing tenured and tenure-track faculty.

The union remains on strike following a three-hour negotiation session with the university on Saturday, April 4, where one tentative agreement was reached. The next session is scheduled for Monday, April 6. It is our understanding that some members of the tenured and tenure-track faculty union will continue to engage in a work stoppage.

It is important to note that this does not mean all faculty are on strike. Students should continue to attend their classes unless they are notified that a class is canceled. Please see more details under the STUDENTS section below.

The University calls upon the union to prioritize students and return to the classroom. We remain committed to reaching an agreement that is fair, fiscally responsible and in the best interests of the entire campus community.

As we have consistently communicated, the University does not view a strike as necessary, nor does it change the financial constraints that guide what can be achieved in a new contract. These constraints include a projected $19 million deficit this fiscal year. To sustain our mission, we must bring revenues and expenses into balance and focus on long-term fiscal stability. For more information on the key issues still to be resolved, please visit the bargaining website. 

Supporting our students and their academic experience remains a top priority. While we are working to reduce any impact, some adjustments may be unavoidable during the work stoppage.

As a union work stoppage continues, we advise the following:

STUDENTS:

• Please continue attending all scheduled classes, including on-ground, online and lab courses, unless you are notified by your professor that the class is canceled. If you arrive and your professor is not present, please wait at least 15 minutes before leaving. Not all faculty are part of the union, including non-tenure track and adjunct instructors, and not all eligible faculty may choose to strike. 
• Continue working on assignments outlined in your course syllabi. The University is committed to supporting your timely progress toward degree completion. 
• If your course includes required internship or clinical hours, continue reporting to those experiences. Contact the Dean of Students’ Office at deanofstudents@uis.edu with any concerns. 
• Graduate assistants supervised by faculty who choose to strike should continue their work and contact their dean’s office for guidance as needed. 
• Students who have questions or concerns about their academic experience should contact the Dean of Students’ Office at deanofstudents@uis.edu. A representative will coordinate with your college, and you will receive a response as soon as possible. 
• We understand this situation may cause stress and uncertainty. Support services are available, including the UIS Counseling Center. 

FACULTY:

• For members of the tenured and tenure-track faculty union represented by UPI Local 4100, participation in a strike is an individual choice. If you choose to strike, the university is required to dock pay for days not worked.
• If you are not part of the union, please continue your classes and work as usual. UIS employees covered by other existing collective bargaining agreements have contractual provisions preventing them from participating in a sympathy strike. 
• If you have any questions, contact Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Drew Schlosser at (217) 206-7148. 

STAFF:

• All other UIS employees should continue to report to work as usual. Employees covered by other existing collective bargaining agreements have contractual provisions preventing them from participating in a sympathy strike. 
• If you have any questions, contact Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Drew Schlosser at (217) 206-7148. 

We greatly appreciate the contributions of our faculty and will continue working toward a resolution that supports our students and the long-term sustainability of the university.

Please continue to check your UIS email and Canvas and refer to the bargaining website for the most current information on the status of negotiations. 

We will continue to provide updates as needed.