CHAMPAIGN-URBANA (Chambana Today) – Food and building service workers at the University of Illinois went on strike Monday morning. Represented by Service Employees International Union Local 73, the biggest issue for the striking workers were wage increases.
According to Union Local 73 President Melody Decker, the university is offering a raise of less than one dollar per hour in the new contract, while custodians and dining hall workers have a record number of students to feed and clean up after this year.
University of Illinois spokesperson Robin Kaler said in a statement that the administration has reached agreements with union leadership twice, but union members voted them down. The first of seven bargaining sessions started Monday afternoon.
Workers last went on strike in 2013, when the work stoppage lasted three days before a new contract agreement was reached.