Eastern Illinois University administrators say they have made a "last, best and final" offer in hopes of ending a strike by faculty and academic support staff.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This editorial was published in the March 29 print edition prior to the beginning of the strike. Eastern’s chapter of University Professionals of Illinois, EIU-UPI, have been negotiating with the university for a fair contract. Union members have been working without contracts since Aug. 31 and have been negotiations since March 21, 2022..
The Eastern Illinois athletics department has continued to function normally during Eastern’s chapter of University of Professionals, EIU-UPI, strike. The strike is entering its third day and has been happening since last Thursday. Since the strike began, there have been spring soccer matches, tennis matches, softball games, baseball games, and track and field events. .
Most classes have been on hold at Eastern Illinois University while faculty and staff strike for better wages and hours alongside faculty at two other public universities in the state.
Eastern’s chapter of University Professionals of Illinois, EIU-UPI, continued their strike on Monday for the third day following a “disappointing” bargaining meeting on Friday for EIU-UPI’s negotiation team. EIU-UPI met at Morton Park at 7:30 a.m. and headed over to Old Main to picket at 8 a.m. to continue the third day of the strike..