Students Rally for Union Negotiation Agreement

The battle in union negotiations reached a new level on Dec 2 when students organized a rally at the Village Square demanding that bargaining come to a close and their professors receive a raise. For the past 2 and a half years, various unions, including UPI, have been in negotiations with NEIU administration, trying to come to a consensus that would benefit both parties. However, during this time several members of the school administration have received raises, driving the relations inside the university to a tangible tension.

    Organized by Nancy Underwood and Sherilyn Maddox, the rally was brought to student attention through both a Facebook page and email chains. "It was a completely student organized event," said Underwood, "I attended the professors panel and learned about how long it has been since the faculty has received a pay raise." This then led her and Maddox to stage the rally at Village Square.

    Armed with protest signs and warring chants, roughly two dozen students sat next to Café Descartes listening to Underwood's speech. "We need to see results to these never-ending contract negotiations" said Underwood, "Our professors are not doing less of a job despite the increased hours and workload and they'd be right to. They have kept their professional integrity and we are very happy for that." Members of the media including the Chicago Tribune and Univision were present thanks to the efforts of Fernando Mendoza. The chants could be heard throughout the Student Union as many more students stood by and watched the proceedings.

    President Hahs spoke to the crowd early during the rally, which lasted from 11:30 till 12:30. "I am glad all of you came out to express your concerns.  "I agree with you that the faculty are the heart of our institution and deserve recognition and fair treatment.  We also know that without students there wouldn't be a university, so thanks to all of you," said Hahs. "Over the last several days I have urged the Administrative Bargaining Team to be responsive and flexible.  The Team has provided a full proposal on workload and compensation last Tuesday to the UPI Bargaining Team.  My hope is that we will reach a mutually acceptable conclusion very soon."

    Despite her supportive words, the students remained at their posts for the remainder of the hour. "Students would have never found out about this were it not for our teachers," said Underwood. "We only have them to thank during this time."

    The administration continues to assure students and faculty that a full proposal is being passed to the UPI, yet this does not deter the student body from continuing this battle towards the end of the semester.

View footage of the protest here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUT6YUznkpY