United Faculty of Illinois State University

Illinois State University's faculty union said Thursday it's filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the university and its Board of Trustees after its members were allegedly asked to do the work of striking workers from another union.

Labor negotiations, spending cuts, creating a new model for budget planning, developing the new College of Engineering, and, oh yes, graduation this weekend — Illinois State University has a lot on its plate right now.

Illinois State University’s faculty union said Monday that its members have voted “overwhelmingly” to ratify its first contract. It includes a 4.5% pay increase that takes effect in just over two weeks.

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.

The move starts a 10-day clock that would enable the United Faculty of ISU union to strike as early as April 4.

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.

The union representing Illinois State University faculty has moved one step closer to a potential work stoppage, calling for a strike authorization vote that will continue through noon Friday.

Workers at the East Empire Street store have joined three New York City-based stores in ratifying contracts as members of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

A leader for ISU's tenure and tenure-track faculty union told trustees they're inching close to a strike. The chair of the Academic Senate identified a pattern of "discordant labor relations" spanning multiple ISU presidents. And repairs to a campus parking garage may be impacted by proposed tariffs on steel.

While there was some expectation that hashing out the specifics of the union's first-ever contract wouldn't be a quick process, ISU associate professor Keith Pluymers said it's been longer than members had hoped.