Hundreds of non-tenure track faculty at the University of Illinois go on strike for two days beginning Tuesday morning, April 19, to protest the University’s refusal to negotiate on key provisions of a labor contract.
The teachers and researchers, members of the Non-Tenure Faculty Coalition (NTFC) Local #6546 AFT/IFT/AAUP, are asking for improved employment security, opportunities for promotion and professional support, and the protection of academic freedom for non-tenure-track faculty members.
The union, certified in July 2014, has been negotiating its first contract since October 2014. Dennis Dullea, vice president of NTFC, pointed out: “most of our members exist on temporary, nine-month contracts. Many of us have been ‘temporary’ faculty for over twenty years. It’s time to prioritize our students’ learning experience. Multi-year contracts mean faculty are able to focus on teaching and preparing their courses rather than on wondering if they will have a job in the fall. These contracts will bring stability to the faculty, to our students, and to the campus community at large.”
Striking faculty will maintain a picket line around the English Building (608 S. Wright Street, Urbana) during working hours. The strikers and their supporters will assemble for a rally at noon on the East Side of the English Building each day. Union leaders from around the country will address the strikers and their supporters on both April 19th and 20th at 5 pm in front of the Swanlund Administration Building (601 E. John St., Champaign). The union will also hold rallies on the East side of the English Building at noon on both days.