The AFSCME local 1110 union is demanding higher wages from ISU administration

The AFSCME local 1110 union has been holding rallies to demand higher wages from Illinois State University administration and some workers say there is a deeper root behind this year long strenuous battle. Erika Stevenson says “The union and the management relationship used to be better. It used to be a healthy relationship where we didn’t get this far, where were going for a strike authorization vote. They don’t respect that we need a livable wage.”

Even though workers do not feel fully supported by the university, there are certain political figures who recognize what the union is fighting for. “Continue to do this work day in and day out because they love their work, they love their colleagues. They want to be able to contribute to a great institution like Illinois State. But you know again that what Illinois has to do, hopefully the administration will figure it out and pay its workers.” said Sharon Chung

Union members have expressed that their anger towards the administration has recently increased since an agreement has still not been met, and they have now been negotiating for over a year. AFSCME held its final rally in front of Hovey Hall late Tuesday afternoon.