Student support workers at Illinois State University have filed a petition to form a union.
Academic advisors, financial aid counselors, and other support workers want to be a chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois [UPI Local 4100]. The roughly 100 people in the potential bargaining unit also include career services and international engagement [study abroad] staff, according to a spokesperson for the Illinois Federation of Teachers [IFT], an affiliated union.
The head of UPI is membership secretary of the IFT.
In a news release, workers complained of low wages, high caseload, burnout, and feelings that the university administration disrespects them.
“Many must work multiple jobs to make ends meet or are forced to leave Bloomington-Normal to take identical positions at regional institutions that pay thousands more, which directly harms the local economy. Often, advisors have caseloads of several hundred students, which causes job burnout and does not allow them time to serve each student’s needs,” said the release.
The workers also accused ISU of treating them as “interchangeable parts that can be replaced when one wears out.”
"We love the work we do and want to give students the best possible support. It’s only fair that we’re paid and treated fairly in return. Joining together in our union, we will be better positioned to demand that we are treated as professionals,” said Mark Angleton, academic advisor.
The union began organizing in the spring. UPI characterized support as “overwhelming.”
“Forming this union will give us a stronger voice to advocate for the needs of students and ourselves as professionals who are committed to supporting them during their journey at ISU and beyond,” said ISU academic advisor Vicky Johnson.
The workers have filed authorization cards with the Illinois Education Labor Relations Board. Next steps in the process include the labor board finalizing the petition, a response from ISU, and then a certification hearing on the request to organize. If approved, the bargaining unit would enter contract talks with the university.
"Illinois State University is aware of the announcement by University Professionals of Illinois that they have filed with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board for representation of university student support professionals, but the University has not received official notification of UPI’s actions from the Labor Board. Illinois State University respects the legal right of employees to seek union representation under the processes set forth in the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act," said a university spokesperson.
The union also represents ISU faculty, and about 3,000 education professionals at seven of Illinois' 12 public universities.
