NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) — Striking Illinois State University employees will go back to the bargaining table on Monday after the college indicated a willingness to resume negotiations.
ISU spokesman Chris Coplan said the university contacted a federal mediator who had been working with the school and AFSCME Local 1110, saying it was ready to come back to the table.
“The University is making this effort in good faith after the Governor’s request that both parties return to the bargaining table,” he said. “Shortly after 10 a.m. (Thursday), the union reached out to the University stating that they are prepared to return to the bargaining table.
“A meeting was confirmed with the federal mediator for Monday, May 4,” he said.
The strike began on April 8 after the university and Local 1110 failed to reach a last-minute deal. Workers are seeking higher pay, while university officials have maintained that the college’s final offer includes multiple wage increases with hourly rates comparable to those of similar positions at other area businesses.
The union represents some 350 buildings, grounds and dining services employees.
Earlier this week, a McLean County judge sided with ISU and refused a request by union officials to bar the use of temporary workers during the strike. The union sued the school, alleging the university violated the Employment of Strikebreakers Act.
The lawsuit, filed last week, asked a judge to issue an injunction, a form of restraining order, to prevent replacement workers from performing the strikers’ jobs.
WMBD TV first reported on this story. You can find the original story online at CIProud.com.
