After months of bargaining, members of the GSU chapter of Union Professionals of Illinois (GSU-UPI) are ready to increase the volume and call more attention to their efforts. GSU-UPI members have scheduled a rally and are prepared to join two other Illinois Universities in a labor strike this week.

A rally is scheduled for Tuesday, Apr. 11, at noon outside of the G-building at GSU. Speakers at the event will include Mike Hart (president of GSU-UPI) and the union presidents from Chicago State University and Eastern Illinois University. CSU and EIU are also part of UPI and began striking last week. 

According to a press release from the Illinois Federation of Teachers: “Union presidents, faculty members, and students from Chicago State, Eastern Illinois, and Governors State Universities will call on administrations to bargain seriously and end these strikes.” 

Faculty, staff, and possibly some students are planning to picket at the entrances of GSU Tuesday from 10 am to 6 pm to call more attention to the negotiations and gain support for GSU-UPI. 

While the bargaining team for the GSU administration has been receptive to some of the GSU-UPI’s contract terms, there are still some major sticking points being discussed in bargaining sessions. In addition to salaries that will help GSU-UPI members survive the recent cost of living increases, the union is fighting for advisors at the university to have a manageable workload. Advisors at GSU reportedly have more students under their supervision than they can adequately serve.

The GSU administration has published a note on its website along with a list of FAQs that should help students and community members navigate this period. According to the note, “The University is steadfast in its commitment to reach a fair, equitable agreement with its faculty that is fiscally responsible to the students and the People of Illinois.” 

Read more about possible disruptions here.