ISU faculty holds rally for fair wages

NORMAL, Ill. – The United Faculty of Illinois State University (UFISU) held an open rally on Wednesday at noon.  The group marched from the bell tower at the center of ISU’s Quad all the way to Hovey Hall.  

The group’s intention is to get the attention of ISU President Aondover Tarhule to address the issues of unfair wages. Keith Pluymers is an associate professor in the school’s history department and was one of the main speakers for the cause.  

“We have been barging since February and still have not gotten a response on our economic proposal,” Pluymers said. “We still have not gotten a response on crucial issues like our proposal to improve student mental health.”  

Posters written by faculty read “March to Mediate” and “Fair contracts now” were seen throughout the rally.  

“We just want to come out here and demonstrate to administration that we are ready for full proposal,” College of Criminal Justice Associate Professor Ashley Farmer said. “On Tuesday, we did request a joint meditation, so we are delivering that joint mediation request to Hovey Hall as well.”  

Director of Media Relations and Strategic Communications Chris Coplan sent out a statement on behalf of the university.

 “At our negotiating session on Tuesday, Nov 19, the union introduced a request to engage a mediator,” Coplan said. “While we do not believe that the parties are at an impasse, the University has committed to consider and respond to this request prior to our next negotiating session, which will be held on Monday, Nov 25. Currently, the parties have reached tentative agreements on more than 20 items and are actively engaged in negotiations on other important issues, including Grievance Procedures and Disability Accommodations.”

The University’s statement also expressed their reverence for the faculty.

“Our tenure-track faculty play an important role in our institution’s success,” Coplan said. “The University is committed to continued good faith negotiations to reach a contract agreement that reflects the needs of Illinois State’s stakeholders as promptly as possible.

The group plans to meet again on Nov. 25 in the Alumni Center from 1-4 p.m.