What is a union?

A union is an organization that allows employees to negotiate as a group – rather than as individuals – over aspects of their work. Those aspects generally include wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment. For educational employees, including ISU non-tenure track faculty, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act defines the guidelines for establishing a union and the rules that employees and their employer follow when negotiating a contract.

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What is FTE?

FTE stands for "Full-Time Equivalency." This is how the university measures your workload. 

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How does my department determine my FTE?

Each department determines FTE differently because the curriculums are not the same. Classes requiring more reading and writing or other rigorous student/teacher interaction usually have a higher FTE. FTE also depends on class size; smaller classes have lower FTE than larger classes. 

 

How do I know if I'm a member?

Check with Mary Hollywood, our membership chairperson. Her email is: mehollywood@hotmail.com

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How often are dues deducted from my paychecks?

Dues deductions occur 6 times a year.

Fall semester – October, November, December

Spring semester – February, March, April

 

How does collective bargaining work?

Collective bargaining is a democratic process. The President of the ISUEA appoints a Bargaining Team made up of your colleagues; many of whom that have attended special training. These volunteer committee members meet with the Administration Bargaining Team to negotiate on your behalf and draft a collective bargaining agreement which becomes a legal document when ratified by both parties.

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What can be gained through collective bargaining?

When faculty discuss their concerns as a group, they quickly realize that they are not alone in their concerns. Through collective bargaining, you gain a unified voice. Through collective bargaining, change can be both dramatic and beneficial. Even if you already enjoy certain benefits of employment, placing them in a legally-binding contract ends your status as “at will” employees whose work policies can be unilaterally changed at the will of your employer.

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Is there any real point to collective bargaining in tight economic times?

We think so! Collective bargaining is even more important in tight economic times when the budget priorities are critical. Without collective bargaining, it is unlikely that an individual would have the ability to evaluate the actual economic circumstances of the University — or to help develop a constructive solution to those circumstances.

 

What is a contract?

The contract is the end result of collective bargaining. It contains the mutually agreed terms and conditions of employment. You can read our current contract by clicking here!

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Who decides what issues are included in the contract?

You do! All non-tenure track faculty are surveyed before bargaining to find out what interests are most important. You develop the agenda and set priorities for the entire bargaining unit.

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Who participates in contract negotiations?

The ISUEA President appoints a bargaining team (typically about 5-7 people). Your representatives negotiate with representatives of the ISU Board of Trustees. The negotiating team members are selected for their particular expertise and to ensure that a wide variety of interests are represented at the negotiating table.

 

When is the contract final?

All dues-paying members of the ISUEA will have an opportunity to vote on the contract. The contract is not ratified until the membership of the Association votes to approve it. Non-members do not vote.

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Can I be punished for supporting the ISUEA?

No. The law strictly prohibits your supervisor or other agents of the administration from intimidating you or depriving you of your legal rights to participate. 

 

Will I have to strike?

While strikes are legal and generally a last resort, they are the exception rather than the rule. During the previous decade, IEA averaged about 5 strikes (.05%) per year — and that’s out of more than 950 locals. Academic strikes are rare in Illinois and the nation. Most contracts are settled amicably through reasoned discussion, debate, and compromise.

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