UIC faculty striking after months of negotiating, no contract; some classes canceled

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Some educators at the University of Illinois-Chicago are on strike Tuesday.

There have been months of negotiations, but no contract.

Major sticking points remain, including increasing the base salary for all faculty, along with a cost of living increase for each year of any contract. The union also wants the university to increase funding for student services, including mental health and testing accommodations.

"These things are always unpredictable. I think ultimately our campus and the UIC system is going to have to find some more money, and they are also going to have to make some compromises really on these power issues around what it takes to be accountable, around taking care of our students and being able to make decisions in a fair and transparent way," said Aaron Krall, UIC United Faculty Union president.

The strike comes after UIC and the UIC United Faculty union failed to reach an agreement during a marathon bargaining session Monday, and, as a result, some of the faculty in this union will not be teaching their classes Tuesday.

Thousands of students had some or all of their classes canceled. Around 30,000 students are enrolled at the Chicago campus and could be affected.

"All my classes are canceled indefinitely," said Kaje Resnik, student.

This morning some professors hit the picket line as many of the roughly 1,500 members of the UIC United Faculty Union opted not to teach class. They have been working without a contract since August.

The university said classes in the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Law will be held as scheduled, as the union does not represent staff in those schools.

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But some students may not have class Tuesday.

The university said students should check their emails for information about their classes, and plan to attend if they've not been told they are canceled.

The union said it's working to secure a more "fair and equitable" contract. That includes fair salaries, clear workload policies and job security for its members.

UIC said it's prepared to uphold good-faith negotiations, but said Tuesday's strike is not in the best interest of students.

University officials released a statement, writing in part, "UIC values the faculty for their key role in upholding and championing the university's academic mission. Based on the shared principles between all involved, the university remains optimistic that a fair and beneficial bargaining agreement can be achieved."

A rally is scheduled for noon Tuesday on the campus' quad. That will include guest speakers and the union's president.

Negotiations are expected to resume Wednesday.