Status of SEIU Labor Negotiations
September 20, 2024 1:01 PM

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students, 

Despite efforts to reach agreements with the SEIU Local 73 union members, we are disappointed to report that the members have rejected agreements reached between the university and union leadership on two separate occasions. SEIU represents building and food service workers, and they have indicated they may strike as early as Sunday, Sept. 22. 

The university is committed to consistency of services for our students, faculty and staff. Essential cleaning and dining services will continue across campus for the duration of a strike. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we prioritize cleaning restrooms, removing trash and maintaining entryways in the event of a strike.

We value these team members and their critical contributions to our mission. These two groups (dining service workers and building service workers) have separate contracts, but they are represented by the same bargaining team. We are listening to our employees’ needs through the bargaining team, as is standard practice. 

We have been bargaining in good-faith, and we reached agreement twice – on Aug. 15 and again on Sept. 11 – with the SEIU Local 73 bargaining team. Members for both groups then rejected these agreements, both of which were consistent with the market. On each occasion, the bargaining team had indicated the agreed upon offer would meet the needs of their members. Unfortunately, that has not translated to ratification among members. We are committed to working with the SEIU bargaining team, and we have six additional mediation sessions scheduled for Sept. 26, 27, 30 and Oct. 1, 2 and 3. 

We acknowledge the rights of our employees to bargain through labor negotiations and to advocate for what they believe is fair. They are valued and respected colleagues who play an important role in keeping the university running and serving our students, faculty and staff. 

The university desires to be an employer of choice that pays fair and attractive wages. We must do so in ways that are fiscally responsible and equitable. Many units affected by the strike are funded by student fees, and we have worked to keep student fees as low as possible. 

We will continue to provide updates as they are available and more information may be found on the Illinois Human Resources website. 

Sincerely,

Shari Mickey-Boggs
Senior Associate Chancellor for Human Resources