In a significant step forward for non-tenure track faculty, members of the ISU Education Association (ISUEA) have approved a new three-year contract with Illinois State University (ISU), bringing an end to months of tense negotiations. The contract, ratified by union members on Tuesday, Dec. 10, addresses key issues such as compensation, working conditions, and the assignment of duties. While specific terms remain confidential, the union highlighted salary increases and improved sick leave benefits as major wins for its members.
Representing over 500 full- and part-time non-tenure track instructors at ISU, the ISUEA has been negotiating the contract since March 2024. After the previous contract expired on June 30, the union continued to work under its terms while engaging in prolonged discussions with the university. A federal mediator was brought in to help facilitate the agreement after tensions escalated earlier in the year, with union representatives describing some of the university’s proposals as “insulting.”
Sarah Hall, President of the ISUEA, expressed mixed feelings about the agreement, acknowledging that while it was not a perfect solution, it marked a positive step for non-tenure track faculty at ISU.
“This agreement is not everything we hoped for, but it demonstrates a substantive agreement that offers our members much-needed protections and stability,” Hall said. “We’re pleased that our members will see a salary raise in January, but our work isn’t done. We will continue to advocate for further improvements.”
The union’s primary concerns during negotiations included fair compensation, job security, and equitable access to benefits such as sick leave, which were significantly improved in the final contract. Hall emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to address ongoing issues that affect non-tenure track faculty, who often face challenges in areas like professional development and job tenure.
This contract marks an important milestone for the ISUEA, which represents non-tenure track faculty at a time when unions have increasingly become a powerful force in advocating for faculty rights. Negotiations with tenure-track faculty, represented by United Faculty, are ongoing and are expected to continue into 2024. The efforts by both ISUEA and United Faculty signal a broader push for improved conditions for university instructors nationwide.
Negotiations between the union and ISU began in March, and federal mediation helped bridge the gap between both parties. The involvement of a mediator underscores the complexity of the issues at hand, particularly with regards to faculty pay and benefits.
As the labor landscape continues to shift, this contract could set a precedent for other universities in Illinois and across the country. Non-tenure track faculty, often employed on precarious contracts with limited benefits, have been pushing for better working conditions for years. The new agreement at ISU provides hope that universities are beginning to recognize the value of their non-tenure track employees and are willing to make real changes.
Negotiations are still underway for tenure-track faculty at ISU, and the outcome of those talks could further shape the future of labor relations in higher education.
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