Unions

While a strike may be novel at ISU, academic work stoppages are happening more and more often around the country. Strikes at other campuses give ISU a window into what to expect if it happens here.

For the last few months, Illinois State University and faculty union negotiators have had help from a federal mediator. Contract talks are ongoing, but the future of the mediation service is in doubt.

Hours after its faculty union voted to authorize a strike, Illinois State University said Friday that it’s initiated “academic contingency planning activities” to minimize disruption if a work stoppage occurs.

Bloomington-Normal unions hosted a candidates night to hear from many of the candidates who will be on the ballot April 1. Union delegates endorsed Cody Hendricks for Bloomington mayor, but did not endorse in Normal's mayoral race.

The Starbucks store at the Shoppes at College Hills in Normal has formally voted to unionize.

A Starbucks store in Normal could join the more than 500 locations for the coffee giant that have unionized.

Demand for skilled trades workers is on the upswing, but there's a huge untapped resource to fill — women.

Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday signed legislation aimed at curtailing the practice of “captive audience” meetings – a strategy businesses sometimes use to dissuade workers from forming a union.

A third candidate has entered the race for mayor of Bloomington. Ward 6 Council member Cody Hendricks made his announcement at the electrical workers union hall on Tuesday. He joins current Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe and former State Rep. Dan Brady in the race.

The Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board in January recognized the United Faculty of Illinois State University, which is a chapter of University Professionals of Illinois (UPI Local 4100).