The administration exerted its power this month by refusing to give raises to newly promoted non-tenure-track faculty. In the face of this unilateral action, the need for a union has never been clearer. See the email below for details (sent by Dr. Kristina Riedel to the Provost, the incoming Dean of LAS, and Elabbas Benmamoun (Dept of Linguistics) onContinue reading “Administration Withholds Promotion Raises Promised to “Specialized Faculty” by Provost’s Communication #25″
Tag Archives: OWR
Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 8/25/13
In some sense, nothing has changed on Pensions since July. This spring, the House passed a catastrophic pension cutting bill and the Senate passed a devastating one somehow supported by the public unions. The House bill already failed (in effect) in the Senate. The House Speaker refused to call the Senate bill, which he knewContinue reading “Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 8/25/13”
Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 7/28/13
The Board of Trustees met this week and extended Pres. Easter for a year, with the promise of potential bonuses. USC Chair Nick Burbules used his farewell address as an opportunity to vent against unionization. BOT chair Chris Kennedy further told the News-Gazette that unionization threatened the “greatness of the university.” CFA Communications Chair SusanContinue reading “Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 7/28/13”
Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 6/23/2013
There is a 10-person conference committee in Springfield trying to agree on a pension plan; eight of these voted for the Madigan plan. At a senate hearing on Tuesday, the university presidents supported a plan from IGPA. Here, once again, via SUAA is the NIU-prepared comparison of the Madigan, Cullerton and IGPA plans. The IGPAContinue reading “Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 6/23/2013”
Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 6/2/2013
There are two viable pension altering bills in the State Legislature. The Madigan Bill SB1, which has been heavily pushed by the Chicago newspapers and corporate heavyweights, barely passed the State House and was soundly defeated in the State Senate. The Madigan Bill would be crushingly devastating for state workers and retirees, with a crudeContinue reading “Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 6/2/2013”
Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 5/5/2013
A grim financial week for faculty and staff. You’ve probably seen the news on the passage of a pension bill in the Illinois House. There is some commentary from Capitol Fax here, here, and here. There are further reactions at the Illinois Issues Blog, Progress Illinois which cites the We Are One Coalition response, andContinue reading “Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 5/5/2013”
Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 4/21/2013
During a challenging week, there were two stories of special note. First, President Easter testified before the State Legislature on Friday morning and you should read everything he said. Pension reform, Easter stated, is “important to us being able to have a stable financial platform and to be able to recruit and retain faculty andContinue reading “Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 4/21/2013”
Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 4/14/2013
According to a news release, President Easter and the other Illinois public university presidents endorsed the IGPA pension change plan. Meanwhile, at the CFA, we are planning for our imminent annual direct election of our officers. Let us know if you are interested in joining our work. No previous experience necessary. We will train. WatchContinue reading “Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 4/14/2013”
Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 4/7/2013
This week’s big story is that the workers at SEIU approved a new four-year contract. Legislators will be returning this week to continue trying to “reform” pensions, more from the world of MOOCs other delights. Remember: the reaction to our organizing may have moved from denial to anger, but the next stage is negotiation! ThereContinue reading “Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 4/7/2013”
Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 3/31/13
The academic year enters the home stretch with snow, and some news, but more going on behind the scenes. As always, please suggest articles and pass these links along to those you think would be interested. — Bruce 1. After last week’s three-day strike, the University made SEIU an offer which has been recommended forContinue reading “Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 3/31/13”
Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 3/24/13
Ugh, what a week! In honor of the impending snowstorm, here is this week’s depressing report. — Bruce 1. There is enormous pressure on the state legislature to do something about the pension shortfall, whether or not it is reasonable, fair or constitutional. I would link to the sterling recent statements by the University Administration,Continue reading “Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 3/24/13”
Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 3/17/13
Much this week. A reminder of my main sources during the week, beyond the usual media: http://www.suaa.org/ http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/ http://capitolfax.com/ http://www.uillinois.edu/cms/one.aspx?portalId=1117531&pageId=1250351 (The e-Summary, usually there by early aft.) Bruce ——————————————————————————————————————————————— 1. Coverage of the three-day SEIU strike 3/11-3/13. The current status is that they are back at work and negotiations will continue this week. (Blocks ofContinue reading “Our Weekly Reader for the Week of 3/17/13”
Campus Faculty Association 