May 16, 2024
“I found the objections to testimonies frustrating and infuriating: Tell us who it was; it was only one person; it was anonymous; the administrator in question doesn't corroborate. To me, all of these responses prove that there is a problem: Faculty feel worried and vulnerable about coming forward precisely because policy is not working to address the issues.” Mary Jeanette Moran
It’s my birthday, and so it was a great present to have signed three proposals today!
Recognition (which notes who is in the bargaining unit and affirms our Right to bargain on behalf of our members), No Strike No Lockout (stating that while we have a signed contract we will not strike, and the administration will not lock us out during the term of our Agreement), and Labor Management Meetings (how we continue to have discussion and work out any issues after the contract has been signed).
The May 16th session opened with discussion that members attended lobby day in Springfield. Our team brought up how faculty and administrators from Western Illinois University worked together to improve state funding for that institution. ISU’s admin team seemed intrigued by this collaboration but still seemed concerned that faculty would lobby on company time. We also asked ISU’s administration what it requested from the State of Illinois for state allocations in the governor’s budget process.
The administration team presented three individual counter-proposals, and UFISU presented one package and three individual counter-proposals. Both parties discussed the intentions behind their counter proposals and had discussion.
Today there were two testimonials on workplace bullying: an anonymous testimonial, and a video testimonial by Heather Jia (Management). The reintroduction of the Workplace Bullying proposal, paired with these testimonies, and all of you who showed up at the Board of Trustees meeting on May 10th is placing a lot of pressure on administration to take a deeper look at the workplace culture of ISU and how faculty are treated.
We then had a heated discussion about the workplace bullying proposal, with Bennett stating that it is impossible to have an article on bullying because it is too hard to define and enforce. In caucus we had a number of members voice their concern over this:
“They suggest that we are lying - so and so said that they didn’t hear that. I'm tired of the hissy fits, false indignation, pearl clutching, vapors… When administration says something on behalf of the employer we take it at face value. When a faculty member testifies at great risk to themselves, the first reaction from MB is outrage and disbelief.” Fusun Akman
After caucus, we returned to sign three tentative agreements! Out of the thirty seven proposals we have put forward, this means that we have signed six (and were able to withdraw one, which is covered in one of the six).
“I am appalled by Bennett’s dismissive tone, and the twisting of words rather than good faith conversation. We should all start using the phrase “words matter” Cassie Herbert
We look forward to seeing you at future bargaining sessions! Come see what proposals we are working on, how we describe our intentions and the needs of our members, and how we move forward in agreements!