By WMBD TV
NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) — Striking Illinois State University employees rallied outside the university’s president’s office Thursday morning.
They showed up early, gathering before the sun rose and by 11 a.m., roughly 100 members of AFCSME Local 1110 and their supporters were outside of Hovey Hall demanding what they call a “fair contract.”
For more than a week, the union and ISU have been at an impasse. AFCSME Local 1110 is seeking higher pay for the buildings, grounds and dining services employees. University officials said last week, before the strike began, that their final offer included multiple wage increases.
But during the rally, workers were united with one voice. People held signs reading “RESPECT FAIR PAY!” and “FAIR WAGES NOW!” while some blew whistles. Still others shook maracas to make themselves heard.
The local represents some 300 employees who have been negotiating with the university for more than a year and last month, the rank and file authorized a strike which began April 8.
Renee Nestler, a union representative, said they have not heard anything from the University regarding a return to the bargaining table.
“There was no movement and no counter to our offer that we believe our members would have approved to end the strike,” she said.
WMBD has reached out to ISU for comment but has not yet heard back.
WMBD TV was first to report this story. The original story can be found online at CIProud.com.
