daily egyptian 9/27/11
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The Daily Egyptian for September 27th, 2011TRANSCRIPT
Unions express concerns, need for strike voteSARAH SCHNEIDERDaily Egyptian
Donald Chamberlain, left, a senior from Carbondale studying speech communication, engages in a spontaneous religious debate Monday. Keith Darrell, right, who said he is an evangelical preacher, began speaking to passers-by outside Lawson Hall. While some students heckled
Darrell, others challenged his interpretation of Christianity. Campus police said he had the right to be on campus unless he was to disrupt classes. One student was asked to leave the area after throwing Darrell’s stepstool. Darrell was asked by campus police to move to the Free Forum Area.
BROOKE GRACE | DAILY EGYPTIAN
Please see STRIKE | 3 Please see ISSUES | 3
Preacher sparks religious debate on campus
Illegal poll emerges beforestrike vote
A department chair illegally polled individuals about their opinions and actions concerning the potential strike on campus.
! e department chair’s name could not be revealed because the incident is considered a personnel matter, said Rod Sievers, university spokesman.
Although the illegal activity has been put to an end, this action could potentially sway votes or impact an individual’s decision concerning the strike, said Randy Hughes, associate professor in mathematics and president of the Faculty Association.
Hughes said in an email to Faculty Association members Sunday that such activity is considered unfair labor practice. Polling individuals about their opinions or initiating conversations about the strike is illegal surveillance of employees under the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, he said.
“I think it’s important for us to address any sort of infraction that might occur,” he said. “You never really know (if) you’re seeing the whole picture or just the tip of the iceberg.”
! ree of the four campus unions are scheduled to vote this week to authorize a strike.
! e four Illinois Education Association unions will vote within the next two weeks to give authorization to their governing bodies to set a date for a strike. If given authorization, a strike could be called at any time.
Sievers said he believes the department chair was taking steps to ensure students will be protected by " nding out what classes will continue, as well as what classes might not be held.
“(! e department chair) asked some questions that made some of the people in her department feel uncomfortable,” he said. “When informed of this, that this action could be construed as illegal, the department chair backed o# and withdrew the question.”
Sievers said an email was sent a$ er the incident to deans and supervisors, stating that polling individuals about their opinions or whether they plan to participate in the strike is illegal.
Asking an individual whether they intend to vote in the strike authorization, if they would vote yes or no or if they would participate in the strike is illegal, said Jim Clark, Illinois Education Association-National Education Association Representative. However, asking deans about contingency plans is legal, he said.
Provost John Nicklow said department chairs were never asked asked to poll faculty. He said he did speak with deans to determine the level of impact they anticipated.
Employees not required to reveal personal plans, protected by labor lawsLAUREN LEONEDaily Egyptian
! e " rst of four unions without contracts is scheduled to vote today for employees’ authorization to strike.
Cyndi Kessler-Criswell, president of the Association of Civil Service and o% ce manager for the Rehabilitation Institute, said the association will vote because employees are overworked and want a contract that will ensure fair working conditions.
! e four Illinois Education Association unions have gone more than 450 days without contracts — dating back to when their four-year contract ended in June 2010 — and are the last of 18 campus unions in negotiations.
Chancellor Rita Cheng said she hopes the union and administration bargaining teams will reach an agreement. College budgets were cut by 2.2 percent this year rather than the temporary measure of the four unpaid days applied last academic year, she said. ! e university’s " nancial situation has to be kept in mind during negotiations, she said.
If the authorizations are approved, the unions do not necessarily have to go on strike, but receive the authority to set a date. Leaders for the unions have said they do not want to strike, but they believe this is the last option to get fair contracts.
Faculty AssociationRandy Hughes, professor of
mathematics and president of the Faculty Association, said the union will vote Wednesday for strike authorization.
He said key issues that are open articles in the contract concern the threat to tenure by reduction in force, temporary reduction of wage by unpaid days, sexual harassment procedure, con& ict of interest, policies and procedures, association rights, " nancial issues regarding salaries and bene" ts, program changes and operating papers.
Morteza Daneshdoost, a professor of electrical and computer engineering and bargaining team member for the Faculty Association, said the association asked the administration’s bargaining team to recognize that the " nancial situation
can & uctuate year to year. He said salary increases should re& ect the " nancial situation, rather than be a set number.
If there is no increase in revenue then there will be no increase. If there was, for example, a 3 percent increase, then salaries would increase 3 percent, according to the proposal.
“! is is helping the university in tough times, but understanding in good times, we get that money back,” he said.
Daneshdoost said if unpaid days need to be implemented, the association wants the university to demonstrate there is a need, versus simply imposin.
Cheng said the SIU Board of Trustees has always been able to call for " nancial exigency, which is a board policy.
Hughes said under the terms the administration imposed on the union in the spring, a faculty member could be laid o# when deemed necessary if the university declared a state of " nancial exigency.
! e association’s bargaining team has proposed a process to determine when there is an extreme " nancial problem that would determine if layo# s should be applied in order to keep the university running.
Hughes said the " nancial challenges the university faces come from state funding but that money has become a smaller portion of the university’s overall budget. He said the increase in tuition from year to year should cover the losses from the state.
Cheng said the university faces " nancial challenges but continues to cut costs. She said the enrollment decline this fall cost the university another $1 million.
“We must be very careful about how we spend our money,” she said.
Daneshdoost said for the number of days the association has been in negotiation, there has been little progress.
“In the past four negotiations we have had, even though we have been extremely civilized, there has been no real progress — what you would call a noticeable presentable progress,” he said.
Non-Tenure Track Faculty Association
Anita Stoner, president of the NTTFA and visiting assistant professor in the School of Journalism, said the association will vote Oct. 5 to authorize a strike.
Stoner said the bargaining team for the association wants language in the contract that will give faculty members job security.
She said they want notice of layo# s or non-reappointments.
“Until a person becomes continuing faculty, it is a nightmare,” she said. “It is about courtesy and respecting us. We are not the Faculty Association. We are skilled, experienced people that are giving back to the university because we want to make a di# erence.”
Rod Sievers, university spokesperson, could not immediately get numbers of non-reappointed non-tenure track faculty and administrative professionals from last year, he said.
Stoner said distance education is also an issue in negotiations because it would overload faculty members if they had to teach online classes in addition to the classes they already teach.
Cheng said distance education is critical to the future of the university as part of the strategy for enrollment growth, because it provides the ability to o# er courses and programs online to compete for students in Illinois, the region and the world.
Stoner said the union did not ask for salary increases but were o# ered them. She said there has been a breakdown of collective bargaining.
“! is is about more than money,” she said.
Graduate Assistants UnitedJim Podesva, president of the GAU, said
the union will vote for strike authorization Friday.
He said the group is currently negotiating fee freezes and health care issues.
Kristi Brown" eld, vice president of communications for the GAU, said fee levels have almost doubled since 2007.
“! at hurts students,” she said.
D!"#$ E%$&'"!( E!"#"$%& Tuesday, September 27, 20112
About Us) e D!"#$ E%$&'"!( is published by the students of Southern
Illinois University Carbondale 50 weeks per year, with an average daily circulation of 20,000. Fall and spring semester editions run Monday through Friday. Summer editions run Tuesday through ) ursday. All intersession editions will run on Wednesdays. Spring break and ) anksgiving editions are distributed on Mondays of the pertaining weeks. Free copies are distributed in the Carbondale, Murphysboro and Carterville communities. ) e D!"#$ E%$&'"!( online publication can be found at www.dailyegyptian.com.
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Editor-in-Chief:Leah Stover ............................... ext. 252Managing Editor:Kathleen Hector ..................... ext. 253Campus Editor:Sarah Schneider ....................... ext. 255City Editor: Tara Kulash................................ ext. 263Sports Editor:Cory Downer .......................... ext. 256' e Grind Editor: Brendan Smith ........................ ext. 273Opinion Editor:Eric Ginnard ............................ ext. 261Multimedia Editor:Pat Sutphin ............................... ext. 251Design Chief: Lauren Leone ........................... ext. 248Web Desk: Benjamin Bayli, ...................... ext. 257Advertising Manager: Brooke Pippins ....................... ext. 230Business O( ce:Chris Dorris ............................. ext. 223Ad Production Manager:Chu Batisaihan ......................... ext. 244Business & Ad Director:Jerry Bush ................................. ext. 229Faculty Managing Editor:Eric Fidler ................................ ext. 247
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Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, assuggested by the above cartoon.
THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAMEby David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek
Unscramble these four Jumbles,one letter to each square,to form four ordinary words.
PYEOX
ELTFE
DNUNEO
KASYNE
©2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.All Rights Reserved.
Find
us
on F
aceb
ook
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ww.
face
book
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ble
Answer:(Answers tomorrow)
DRIFT DRESS GALAXY SYSTEMYesterday’s Jumbles:Answer: Paul didn’t want to put off finishing this until
tomorrow — YESTERDAY
Aries — Today is an 8 — Talk it over with your team to work out strategy and schedule. Work in private, and delegate what you can. Do the research before making long-term decisions.
Taurus — Today is an 8 — Communication outlets may not favor a revolution today. Postpone risk-taking (especially romantic and financial). A word from you helps a loved one. Move up a level.
Gemini — Today is a 7 — Love is smiling down upon you, sprouting new tendrils of creativity, sprinkling you with magical magnetic attraction. Unpredictable changes could disrupt, so play it cool.
Cancer — Today is a 7 —If you feel chained or captive to an obligation, give up resistance. It only makes the imprisonment persist. Instead, relax into the confines and finish the job to be truly free.
Leo — Today is an 8 —Put it in writing, even if you have to use a paper napkin. Take an inventory of your wealth, and you’ll discover the answer you were looking for. No gambling allowed.
Virgo — Today is a 9 — You could be tempted to take a big chance, but think it over well. One thing ends and another begins. Don’t go against your core values, no matter what. Watch your feet.
Libra — Today is a 9 — You’re ready to inspire and teach by example for the next couple of days. You jump over the hurdles with grace, like an Olympic athlete. You’ve got confidence and power.
Scorpio — Today is a 7 — Procrastinate later. You’re under some pressure, and it’s best to be occupied, rather than preoccupied. Take short meditation breaks to stay focused.
Sagittarius — Today is an 8 — Friends could help you clean up a mess. Discover your boundaries, and let others support you in expanding them. Say “thank you,” and offer to do the same.
Capricorn — Today is an 8 — There really is no way to prepare for the unexpected. Sometimes blind faith is necessary. Angels guide your actions. Take on a tough job. Get help, if you need it.
Aquarius — Today is a 6 —It’s adventure time. Summon up your courage to battle a dragon and rescue a prince or princess. Challenges feed you and make you stronger. You have what it takes.
Pisces — Today is a 6 — There’s a decision to make, and you may find all kinds of distractions. It may even get uncomfortable. In the end, trust your instincts.
1 2 3 4
D!"#$ E%$&'"!(S!"#$ B%&'(Tuesday, September 27, 2011 7
D!"#$ E%$&'"!(N!"#Tuesday, September 27, 2011 3
“) at doesn’t mean poll faculty. ) at doesn’t mean necessarily even poll departments. But it does mean to have discussion with chairs so we can better understand the anticipated impact to colleges,” he said.
Clark said this is legal.“) ose are conversations between
their represented employees … not to be initiated by the administration,” Clark said. “Any direct inquiry about how somebody feels about a strike or strike authorization vote is illegal.”
Clark said he sent a request
to administration Sunday to stop those who were polling individuals about the strike. He said he believes it’s vital for unions to look closely at unfair labor practices, such as administrators seeking opinions from employees concerning a strike.
“Employees have a right to act independently of the employer, through the union, so these internal votes and internal conversations are between the employees and their respective union leaders and they should not be subjected to any intrusive by administrators seeking their opinion,” Clark said.
Although further action will not taken at this time, Sievers said the issue could be addressed in the
future.“It’s only been about 48 hours
(since the incident occured),” he said. “Right now, they’re more concerned with working (with) the Faculty Association in order to produce a contract. ) at’s really where the focus is right now.”
Hughes said the Faculty Association and others in the IEA anticipated that di* erent tactics may be employed prior to a strike authorization vote and the issue was addressed in the Strike FAQ section of the SIUC Unions United website.
) e FAQ states that if an administrator asks about an person’s participation in a strike or in union activities, the person should contact
a union representative immediately.Examples of employer conduct
that may be considered an unfair labor practice include the employer asking whether the employee will go on strike; implying that the individual will not have a job when the strike is over; implying non-renewal and non-reappointment; threatening cancellation of health or any other insurance; “spying” or forms of surveillance activity; and o* ering a promise of bene+ t for not striking or voting to strike, according to the website.
Sievers said the university is not promoting this type of activity or engaging in any of the kind.
“Of course that’s illegal. ) ey
were told that and the process quickly stopped,” he said. “Certainly, the university isn’t promoting that, or actively engaging in anything of that kind.”
Clark said the incident was isolated and quickly taken care of by the administration.
“Of course, obviously, we’ll continue to monitor the situation,” he said. “Actions have been taken by the administration to stop it, so at this point, I believe they have been compliant with our request to cease and desist.”
Lauren Leone can be reached at [email protected]
or 536-3311 ext. 254.
STRIKECONTINUED FROM 1
ISSUESCONTINUED FROM 1
She said the average graduate assistant works nine months but get paid for seven because of fees.
Podesva said the university either needs to increase stipends for graduate assistants or freeze fees to keep up with in, ation.
Cheng said it is not likely fees could not increase without reduced services because of cost increases such as utility and fuel costs associated with continuing operations.
Brown+ eld said o- en the only health care coverage graduate students obtain is through the university, although the bene+ ts are limited.
“We don’t have any prescription drug bene+ ts. … For a lot of people those things come down to, ‘Am I going to pay rent, or am I going to pay for my medicine I need?’” she said.
Podesva said the union has proposed the university commit to the federal health care guidelines.
) e university is under no obligation to follow the guidelines.
Cheng had no comment about using the federal health care guidelines.
“We value our grad assistants, and all students on campus are required to have health insurance unless they are covered elsewhere,” she said. “We have a high-quality health service on campus to complement the insurance.”
Association of Civil Service Employees
Kessler-Criswell said since bargaining began, there have been minor agreements but most of the contract is still in discussion, which is why the association will vote to authorize a strike today.
“We don’t want to drop what we are asking for, and the administration has not been willing to o* er anything,” she said.
She said employees are overworked and the
reduction of employees is worrisome.Tamara Keen, member of the bargaining
team, said 73 civil service positions have been lost since January 2010.
“We are losing employees le- and right,” she said.
Cheng said the association is not unique in this aspect because 280 positions have been lost
across campus and it is unlikely they will be + lled because there is no money to + ll the positions.
“We are looking to do things di* erently and to manage our university and the activities in a di* erent way,” she said.
Keen said the bargaining team does not want the furlough day language in the contract either as it is in the imposed terms and conditions.
She said the team is looking for the right to take personal days instead of just vacation days because vacation days have to be asked for in advance.
Sarah Schneider can be reached at [email protected]
or 536-3311 ext. 255.
June 30, 2010
January 2011
March 2, 2011
June 6, 2011March 10, 2011
October 5, 2011
March 7, 2011
April 28, 2011
September 27, 2011
September 28, 2011
September 30, 2011
March 30, 2011
April 4, 2011 TO PRESENT
Illinois Education Association union contract negotiations
NTTFA
GAU
ACSE
FA
Four campus unions have gone 454 days without contracts.
SABRINA IMMUNDO | DAILY EGYPTIAN
Leah StoverEditor-in-Chief
Kathleen HectorManaging Editor
Lauren LeoneDesign Chief
Editorial PolicyOur Word is the consensus of the D!"#$
E%$&'"!( Editorial Board on local, national and global issues a) ecting the Southern Illinois University community. Viewpoints expressed in columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily re* ect those of the D!"#$ E%$&'"!(.
Eric GinnardOpinion Editor
Sarah SchneiderCampus Editor
Tara KulashCity Editor
Cory DownerSports Editor
Brendan SmithA&E Editor
Pat SutphinPhoto Editor
Grind Editor
Submissions
Letters and guest columns must be submitted with author’s contact information, preferably via e-mail. Phone numbers are required to verify authorship, but will not be published. Letters are limited to 400 words and columns to 500 words. Students must include year and major. Faculty must include rank and department. Others include hometown. Submissions should be sent to [email protected].
Notice
+ e D!"#$ E%$&'"!( is a “designated public forum.” Student editors have the authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. We reserve the right to not publish any letter or guest column.
GUEST COLUMN
Gus Bode says: Send us more letters! If you can write coherently and would like to share your perspective with the world, please consider lending your voices to our pages.
To submit a letter, please go to www.dailyegyptian.com and click “Submit a Letter” or send it to [email protected]. Please make your submissions between 300 and
400 words. If you have questions, give us a call at 536-3311 ext. 263.
r
! e following editorial appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer on Friday:
It’s not unusual to see domestic politics play an oversized role in international relations, but that doesn’t make it any easier to stomach.
It has been sickening to watch both Republicans and Democrats put their personal election ambitions above everything else as they play a game of “Who Loves You More?” with Israel.
Too o, en, you can't get a Democrat and Republican to agree on the time of day in Congress, but dozens have joined hands
in a misguided e) ort to punish the Palestinian government for unilaterally seeking recognition as a state by the United Nations.
+ e legislators have threatened to end an annual $500 million subsidy to the Palestinians that President George W. Bush began. “Current and future aid will be jeopardized if you ... continue your e) orts,” said Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, who heads a House foreign-operations subcommittee.
+ at threat ignores the fact that U.S. aid to the Palestinians has helped Israel by providing funding for Palestinian security forces in
the West Bank. Yuval Dishkin, head of Israel's internal security service, says the funds have helped reduce terror attacks.
David Makosvky, a project director with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said Hamas, the terrorist group that adamantly refuses to recognize Israel's right to exist, stands to bene- t the most from a cuto) of aid to the Palestinian Authority.
+ at doesn’t matter to the American politicians. + e Republicans are smelling blood a, er one of them won a special election in a historically Democratic, largely
Jewish congressional district in New York.
+ e GOP presidential contenders have jumped at this opportunity to bash President Obama. “We would not be ... at this very precipice of such a dangerous move if the Obama policy in the Middle East was not so naive and arrogant, misguided, and dangerous,” said Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
What’s dangerous is taking an unnecessary move against the Palestinians that would make it even harder to - nd a two-state solution in the Middle East. Democrats who
support the e) ort to take away the Palestinians’ funding because they fear losing Jewish votes should be ashamed.
It is tragic that the Obama administration has failed to this point in its e) orts to broker negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians that will allow both peoples to live as neighbors. It is unfortunate that the Palestinians decided to prematurely seek a U.N. vote on their status.
But it does nothing to improve the prospects for peace to have American politicians inject their aspirations into the situation.
American politics interfering with Mideast
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
D.!/ E0"'1/:I, as a part-time student, think every union
has considered carefully the e) ects a strike would have on students.
No one has taken this decision lightly, as evidenced by the length of time they’ve continued attempting to negotiate before taking this step. I would argue that by not standing up in defense of the extremely valuable employees whose security is being threatened, they would be cavalier and even sel- sh about the e) ects on future students, this whole university, Carbondale and the surrounding communities, which are interdependent on the health of SIU for their economic strength and future.
SIU is one of southern Illinois’ greatest assets and biggest economic engines and should be personally important to us all. + e continued erosion of worker morale, bene- ts and security at SIU has had a negative impact on the entire functioning of the university already and will only continue to do so.
+ is isn’t just an issue at SIU — across the country, the value and rights of workers are being systematically threatened by those in positions of power using “- nancial troubles” as an excuse and a distraction, while they ignore the much larger money pits, such as their own salaries. Getting those at the top to recognize and accept the people doing the jobs that keep this university running deserve much more respect, not less. Prioritizing administrative positions and compensation (and — dare I say it? — athletics) over those who make
sure the daily grind keeps happening will have the e) ect of continuing SIU’s from-the-inside-out crumble.
I have lived in Carbondale all my life and have watched this university and the city that is home to it deteriorate from a lively, fun, respected place to a school that has become a joke. I think that has a lot to do with the direction SIU’s recent administrations have taken us and the decisions they’ve made about who to look out for. If the administration’s foremost concern was truly the students, the Faculty Association and other union groups would never have gotten to the point of having to make this di2 cult decision because they would have been treated with respect and gratitude for the jobs they do here at SIU. I am honestly amazed at the high caliber and dedication of faculty and other employees SIU still has, considering how long this has been a problem. I hope we realize soon how lucky we are to have them.
Amelia Ketzlesenior from Carbondale
studying political science
Administration needs to re-prioritizeUnions are not bargaining to make lives worse for students
D.!/ E0"'1/:+ ere has been a lot of discussion about
the potential of a strike recently and it is important to make some points clear.
First, students need to know what Chancellor Rita Cheng writes in all-campus emails is only one side of the discussion. It is by no means a complete, or even necessarily accurate representation of reality. It is simply propaganda designed to cut the unions o) at the knees during ongoing bargaining. If you want the other side of the disagreements, talk with the unions.
Second, none of these unions are bargaining to make lives worse for students. As a graduate assistant and graduate student, I can assure you I did not put myself into massive debt just for the chance to strike. + at said, my assistantship, which is covered by my contract, allows me to complete my degree and feed my family. + e unions want the university to continue to be able to attract and retain enough quality academics to provide students with a good education for their money. But quality comes at a cost: None of us get something for nothing, and there is a reason you chose this school over some other one. Cheng's talk about “- scal responsibility,” however, suggests she believes this university can attract quality individuals without doing the things necessary to retain them. + e result is a lower quality of education for us all, as
students.It is incumbent on the university to
o) er a settlement unions can accept. For settlements to be acceptable, they can not simply impose the interests of the university, while dismissing the legitimate concerns of the unions as “- scally irresponsible.”
If you are a student who is concerned about a strike, you should do your part. Ask your faculty members or GAs about what the strike will mean.
For more information, write to the unions; our information is online.
+ en, ask yourself: “If I was an employer, and paid my employees the minimum I could get away with, o) ering them few reasons to stick around, what sort of person would want to work for me?” If the answer troubles you as a student, you should make your voice heard, in whatever way you can, to get this university to settle these contracts, because that is how we avoid a strike.
William StoddenGAU Bargaining Team,
teaching assistant in political science
S tudents need to know what Chancellor Rita Cheng writes in
all-campus emails is only one side of the discussion.
G etting those at the top to recognize and accept the
people doing the jobs that keep this university running deserve much more respect, not less.
D!"#$ E%$&'"!( N!"# Tuesday, September 27, 20114City raises trash collection rates
Waste collection rates will go up according to a decision the Carbondale City Council made at its meeting last week.
) e current rate for residential refuse collection of $9.50 a month will increase to $10 at the beginning of November, as well as a new $1 equipment replacement fee. Recycling collection will increase from $2 to $2.50. Both rates will increase by smaller amounts incrementally into 2014.
Other changes in the ordinance include a two-tier rate for commercial dumpster disposal, a private collection fee for backyard composting and a new rate for apartment complexes based on time and volume alone instead of a per-apartment rate, City Manager Allen Gill said at the Sept. 20 meeting.
According to a report by Maintenance and Environmental Services in May, the city’s Refuse and Recycling Programs have grown considerably during the last 40 years, while the fees have remained relatively low.
Rate increases in 2008 were supposed to have made the revenue from the services balance the cost, according to the report. However, a permanent reduction in the number of recycling fees collected, an expansion of the recycling program and a jump in operational costs signi* cantly changed the * nancial situation.
At the Sept. 6 City Council meeting, Gill said the programs are not producing enough money.
Greg Burris, general manager of Burris Disposal, said he’s glad the city increased its rates to
reflect the cost of the service.“) ey should be self-supporting
with that service,” he said.He said he wasn’t sure the
increase would be enough to get some people to switch over to a private collector.
Other refuse-related issues that came up at the Sept. 20 meeting included plastic bags being le+ on the curbside before the appropriate time.
“) at’s one of our biggest problems,” Gill said.
Council member Jane Adams said such bags can be torn open by animals overnight and create a mess.
She said this issue is particularly prevalent in neighborhoods with rooming houses. She said the fact that Carbondale is a college town makes dealing with such issues a bit more di, cult.
“You’ll always have a few party animals,” she said.
She added, though, that most renters and students are responsible.
Adams raised the idea of limiting households to two trash cans, but the proposal failed to pass.
Council member Corene McDaniel said such a limit would be unfair to large families.
“I would be totally against any kind of limit at this point,” she said.
Adams said she believes the issue will come up again but in a di- erent form. She said the city is looking into purchasing a truck that would mechanically pick up garbage from city-provided containers, which would make individual garbage cans obsolete.
Eli Mileur can be reached at [email protected]
or 536-3311 ext. 266.
ELI MILEURDaily Egyptian
Leah StoverEditor-in-Chief
Kathleen HectorManaging Editor
Lauren LeoneDesign Chief
Editorial PolicyOur Word is the consensus of the D!"#$
E%$&'"!( Editorial Board on local, national and global issues a) ecting the Southern Illinois University community. Viewpoints expressed in columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily re* ect those of the D!"#$ E%$&'"!(.
Eric GinnardOpinion Editor
Sarah SchneiderCampus Editor
Tara KulashCity Editor
Cory DownerSports Editor
Brendan SmithA&E Editor
Pat SutphinPhoto Editor
Grind Editor
Submissions
Letters and guest columns must be submitted with author’s contact information, preferably via e-mail. Phone numbers are required to verify authorship, but will not be published. Letters are limited to 400 words and columns to 500 words. Students must include year and major. Faculty must include rank and department. Others include hometown. Submissions should be sent to [email protected].
Notice
+ e D!"#$ E%$&'"!( is a “designated public forum.” Student editors have the authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. We reserve the right to not publish any letter or guest column.
GUEST COLUMN
Gus Bode says: Send us more letters! If you can write coherently and would like to share your perspective with the world, please consider lending your voices to our pages.
To submit a letter, please go to www.dailyegyptian.com and click “Submit a Letter” or send it to [email protected]. Please make your submissions between 300 and
400 words. If you have questions, give us a call at 536-3311 ext. 263.
r
! e following editorial appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer on Friday:
It’s not unusual to see domestic politics play an oversized role in international relations, but that doesn’t make it any easier to stomach.
It has been sickening to watch both Republicans and Democrats put their personal election ambitions above everything else as they play a game of “Who Loves You More?” with Israel.
Too o, en, you can't get a Democrat and Republican to agree on the time of day in Congress, but dozens have joined hands
in a misguided e) ort to punish the Palestinian government for unilaterally seeking recognition as a state by the United Nations.
+ e legislators have threatened to end an annual $500 million subsidy to the Palestinians that President George W. Bush began. “Current and future aid will be jeopardized if you ... continue your e) orts,” said Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, who heads a House foreign-operations subcommittee.
+ at threat ignores the fact that U.S. aid to the Palestinians has helped Israel by providing funding for Palestinian security forces in
the West Bank. Yuval Dishkin, head of Israel's internal security service, says the funds have helped reduce terror attacks.
David Makosvky, a project director with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said Hamas, the terrorist group that adamantly refuses to recognize Israel's right to exist, stands to bene- t the most from a cuto) of aid to the Palestinian Authority.
+ at doesn’t matter to the American politicians. + e Republicans are smelling blood a, er one of them won a special election in a historically Democratic, largely
Jewish congressional district in New York.
+ e GOP presidential contenders have jumped at this opportunity to bash President Obama. “We would not be ... at this very precipice of such a dangerous move if the Obama policy in the Middle East was not so naive and arrogant, misguided, and dangerous,” said Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
What’s dangerous is taking an unnecessary move against the Palestinians that would make it even harder to - nd a two-state solution in the Middle East. Democrats who
support the e) ort to take away the Palestinians’ funding because they fear losing Jewish votes should be ashamed.
It is tragic that the Obama administration has failed to this point in its e) orts to broker negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians that will allow both peoples to live as neighbors. It is unfortunate that the Palestinians decided to prematurely seek a U.N. vote on their status.
But it does nothing to improve the prospects for peace to have American politicians inject their aspirations into the situation.
American politics interfering with Mideast
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
D.!/ E0"'1/:I, as a part-time student, think every union
has considered carefully the e) ects a strike would have on students.
No one has taken this decision lightly, as evidenced by the length of time they’ve continued attempting to negotiate before taking this step. I would argue that by not standing up in defense of the extremely valuable employees whose security is being threatened, they would be cavalier and even sel- sh about the e) ects on future students, this whole university, Carbondale and the surrounding communities, which are interdependent on the health of SIU for their economic strength and future.
SIU is one of southern Illinois’ greatest assets and biggest economic engines and should be personally important to us all. + e continued erosion of worker morale, bene- ts and security at SIU has had a negative impact on the entire functioning of the university already and will only continue to do so.
+ is isn’t just an issue at SIU — across the country, the value and rights of workers are being systematically threatened by those in positions of power using “- nancial troubles” as an excuse and a distraction, while they ignore the much larger money pits, such as their own salaries. Getting those at the top to recognize and accept the people doing the jobs that keep this university running deserve much more respect, not less. Prioritizing administrative positions and compensation (and — dare I say it? — athletics) over those who make
sure the daily grind keeps happening will have the e) ect of continuing SIU’s from-the-inside-out crumble.
I have lived in Carbondale all my life and have watched this university and the city that is home to it deteriorate from a lively, fun, respected place to a school that has become a joke. I think that has a lot to do with the direction SIU’s recent administrations have taken us and the decisions they’ve made about who to look out for. If the administration’s foremost concern was truly the students, the Faculty Association and other union groups would never have gotten to the point of having to make this di2 cult decision because they would have been treated with respect and gratitude for the jobs they do here at SIU. I am honestly amazed at the high caliber and dedication of faculty and other employees SIU still has, considering how long this has been a problem. I hope we realize soon how lucky we are to have them.
Amelia Ketzlesenior from Carbondale
studying political science
Administration needs to re-prioritizeUnions are not bargaining to make lives worse for students
D.!/ E0"'1/:+ ere has been a lot of discussion about
the potential of a strike recently and it is important to make some points clear.
First, students need to know what Chancellor Rita Cheng writes in all-campus emails is only one side of the discussion. It is by no means a complete, or even necessarily accurate representation of reality. It is simply propaganda designed to cut the unions o) at the knees during ongoing bargaining. If you want the other side of the disagreements, talk with the unions.
Second, none of these unions are bargaining to make lives worse for students. As a graduate assistant and graduate student, I can assure you I did not put myself into massive debt just for the chance to strike. + at said, my assistantship, which is covered by my contract, allows me to complete my degree and feed my family. + e unions want the university to continue to be able to attract and retain enough quality academics to provide students with a good education for their money. But quality comes at a cost: None of us get something for nothing, and there is a reason you chose this school over some other one. Cheng's talk about “- scal responsibility,” however, suggests she believes this university can attract quality individuals without doing the things necessary to retain them. + e result is a lower quality of education for us all, as
students.It is incumbent on the university to
o) er a settlement unions can accept. For settlements to be acceptable, they can not simply impose the interests of the university, while dismissing the legitimate concerns of the unions as “- scally irresponsible.”
If you are a student who is concerned about a strike, you should do your part. Ask your faculty members or GAs about what the strike will mean.
For more information, write to the unions; our information is online.
+ en, ask yourself: “If I was an employer, and paid my employees the minimum I could get away with, o) ering them few reasons to stick around, what sort of person would want to work for me?” If the answer troubles you as a student, you should make your voice heard, in whatever way you can, to get this university to settle these contracts, because that is how we avoid a strike.
William StoddenGAU Bargaining Team,
teaching assistant in political science
S tudents need to know what Chancellor Rita Cheng writes in
all-campus emails is only one side of the discussion.
G etting those at the top to recognize and accept the
people doing the jobs that keep this university running deserve much more respect, not less.
D!"#$ E%$&'"!( Tuesday, September 27, 20116 C!"##$%$&'# D!"#$ E%$&'"!(N!"#Tuesday, September 27, 2011 3
“) at doesn’t mean poll faculty. ) at doesn’t mean necessarily even poll departments. But it does mean to have discussion with chairs so we can better understand the anticipated impact to colleges,” he said.
Clark said this is legal.“) ose are conversations between
their represented employees … not to be initiated by the administration,” Clark said. “Any direct inquiry about how somebody feels about a strike or strike authorization vote is illegal.”
Clark said he sent a request
to administration Sunday to stop those who were polling individuals about the strike. He said he believes it’s vital for unions to look closely at unfair labor practices, such as administrators seeking opinions from employees concerning a strike.
“Employees have a right to act independently of the employer, through the union, so these internal votes and internal conversations are between the employees and their respective union leaders and they should not be subjected to any intrusive by administrators seeking their opinion,” Clark said.
Although further action will not taken at this time, Sievers said the issue could be addressed in the
future.“It’s only been about 48 hours
(since the incident occured),” he said. “Right now, they’re more concerned with working (with) the Faculty Association in order to produce a contract. ) at’s really where the focus is right now.”
Hughes said the Faculty Association and others in the IEA anticipated that di* erent tactics may be employed prior to a strike authorization vote and the issue was addressed in the Strike FAQ section of the SIUC Unions United website.
) e FAQ states that if an administrator asks about an person’s participation in a strike or in union activities, the person should contact
a union representative immediately.Examples of employer conduct
that may be considered an unfair labor practice include the employer asking whether the employee will go on strike; implying that the individual will not have a job when the strike is over; implying non-renewal and non-reappointment; threatening cancellation of health or any other insurance; “spying” or forms of surveillance activity; and o* ering a promise of bene+ t for not striking or voting to strike, according to the website.
Sievers said the university is not promoting this type of activity or engaging in any of the kind.
“Of course that’s illegal. ) ey
were told that and the process quickly stopped,” he said. “Certainly, the university isn’t promoting that, or actively engaging in anything of that kind.”
Clark said the incident was isolated and quickly taken care of by the administration.
“Of course, obviously, we’ll continue to monitor the situation,” he said. “Actions have been taken by the administration to stop it, so at this point, I believe they have been compliant with our request to cease and desist.”
Lauren Leone can be reached at [email protected]
or 536-3311 ext. 254.
STRIKECONTINUED FROM 1
ISSUESCONTINUED FROM 1
She said the average graduate assistant works nine months but get paid for seven because of fees.
Podesva said the university either needs to increase stipends for graduate assistants or freeze fees to keep up with in, ation.
Cheng said it is not likely fees could not increase without reduced services because of cost increases such as utility and fuel costs associated with continuing operations.
Brown+ eld said o- en the only health care coverage graduate students obtain is through the university, although the bene+ ts are limited.
“We don’t have any prescription drug bene+ ts. … For a lot of people those things come down to, ‘Am I going to pay rent, or am I going to pay for my medicine I need?’” she said.
Podesva said the union has proposed the university commit to the federal health care guidelines.
) e university is under no obligation to follow the guidelines.
Cheng had no comment about using the federal health care guidelines.
“We value our grad assistants, and all students on campus are required to have health insurance unless they are covered elsewhere,” she said. “We have a high-quality health service on campus to complement the insurance.”
Association of Civil Service Employees
Kessler-Criswell said since bargaining began, there have been minor agreements but most of the contract is still in discussion, which is why the association will vote to authorize a strike today.
“We don’t want to drop what we are asking for, and the administration has not been willing to o* er anything,” she said.
She said employees are overworked and the
reduction of employees is worrisome.Tamara Keen, member of the bargaining
team, said 73 civil service positions have been lost since January 2010.
“We are losing employees le- and right,” she said.
Cheng said the association is not unique in this aspect because 280 positions have been lost
across campus and it is unlikely they will be + lled because there is no money to + ll the positions.
“We are looking to do things di* erently and to manage our university and the activities in a di* erent way,” she said.
Keen said the bargaining team does not want the furlough day language in the contract either as it is in the imposed terms and conditions.
She said the team is looking for the right to take personal days instead of just vacation days because vacation days have to be asked for in advance.
Sarah Schneider can be reached at [email protected]
or 536-3311 ext. 255.
June 30, 2010
January 2011
March 2, 2011
June 6, 2011March 10, 2011
October 5, 2011
March 7, 2011
April 28, 2011
September 27, 2011
September 28, 2011
September 30, 2011
March 30, 2011
April 4, 2011 TO PRESENT
Illinois Education Association union contract negotiations
NTTFA
GAU
ACSE
FA
Four campus unions have gone 454 days without contracts.
SABRINA IMMUNDO | DAILY EGYPTIAN
Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, assuggested by the above cartoon.
THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAMEby David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek
Unscramble these four Jumbles,one letter to each square,to form four ordinary words.
PYEOX
ELTFE
DNUNEO
KASYNE
©2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.All Rights Reserved.
Find
us
on F
aceb
ook
http
://w
ww.
face
book
.com
/jum
ble
Answer:(Answers tomorrow)
DRIFT DRESS GALAXY SYSTEMYesterday’s Jumbles:Answer: Paul didn’t want to put off finishing this until
tomorrow — YESTERDAY
Aries — Today is an 8 — Talk it over with your team to work out strategy and schedule. Work in private, and delegate what you can. Do the research before making long-term decisions.
Taurus — Today is an 8 — Communication outlets may not favor a revolution today. Postpone risk-taking (especially romantic and financial). A word from you helps a loved one. Move up a level.
Gemini — Today is a 7 — Love is smiling down upon you, sprouting new tendrils of creativity, sprinkling you with magical magnetic attraction. Unpredictable changes could disrupt, so play it cool.
Cancer — Today is a 7 —If you feel chained or captive to an obligation, give up resistance. It only makes the imprisonment persist. Instead, relax into the confines and finish the job to be truly free.
Leo — Today is an 8 —Put it in writing, even if you have to use a paper napkin. Take an inventory of your wealth, and you’ll discover the answer you were looking for. No gambling allowed.
Virgo — Today is a 9 — You could be tempted to take a big chance, but think it over well. One thing ends and another begins. Don’t go against your core values, no matter what. Watch your feet.
Libra — Today is a 9 — You’re ready to inspire and teach by example for the next couple of days. You jump over the hurdles with grace, like an Olympic athlete. You’ve got confidence and power.
Scorpio — Today is a 7 — Procrastinate later. You’re under some pressure, and it’s best to be occupied, rather than preoccupied. Take short meditation breaks to stay focused.
Sagittarius — Today is an 8 — Friends could help you clean up a mess. Discover your boundaries, and let others support you in expanding them. Say “thank you,” and offer to do the same.
Capricorn — Today is an 8 — There really is no way to prepare for the unexpected. Sometimes blind faith is necessary. Angels guide your actions. Take on a tough job. Get help, if you need it.
Aquarius — Today is a 6 —It’s adventure time. Summon up your courage to battle a dragon and rescue a prince or princess. Challenges feed you and make you stronger. You have what it takes.
Pisces — Today is a 6 — There’s a decision to make, and you may find all kinds of distractions. It may even get uncomfortable. In the end, trust your instincts.
1 2 3 4
D!"#$ E%$&'"!(S!"#$ B%&'(Tuesday, September 27, 2011 7
Banter
To cast your vote please see www.dailyegyptian.com
Richard Groff, a junior from Centralia studying mechanical engineering, fishes his disc out of Campus Lake Monday on a disc golf hole. Groff and his friend, Corey Arnold, also a junior from Centralia studying
mechanical engineering, squeezed in nine rounds of disc golf before class. Groff said he saw a friend playing back in his hometown and decided to play himself. “It’s a lot of fun,” Groff said.
STEVE MATZKER | DAILY EGYPTIAN
Disc golf makes a splash at Campus Lake
Former SIU cornerback Korey Lindsey learned the NFL’s fast pace isn’t limited to the playing ! eld, as he has already made the move to his second team in his young career.
“I didn’t understand how it quite worked but I had to pick up and roll,” Lindsey said. “I had to really transition fast and understand that this is a business and this is my job, and I take it seriously.”
Lindsey was a seventh-round dra" pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in April, but he le" Ohio before the season even began. When he didn’t make the 53-man roster and was waived by the team Sept. 3, Lindsey found a new home with the Arizona Cardinals the following day.
Lindsey said he was shocked when he found out he was waived by the Bengals because he had anticipated to stay in Cincinnati to mature as a player. He said it was a di# cult adjustment in the beginning, but he understands a di$ erent mindset is required to be a professional football player.
“Mentally, it was challenging,” Lindsey said. “I’m just grateful to be on an NFL roster at this time of the year.”
He hasn’t seen any playing time in the three weeks on the team, but said he’s con! dent his new team is a better ! t for him and his career.
“I’m actually just a play away so I’m just practicing and focusing on the small things so I can be ready to go … when my name’s called,” Lindsey said.
He said he has a bigger advantage in Arizona, as the Cardinals operate with the
same 3-4 defense coach Dale Lennon used at SIU. % e same defensive scheme has helped him communicate with his teammates and coaches, which he said has aided in the learning process.
% e former Saluki isn’t the only cornerback to make the recent transition to the Cardinals. Second-year corner Crezdon Butler came from the Pittsburgh Steelers to assist Lindsey in ! lling
the voids in the team’s depth chart.“We had good grades on both
of them,” said Arizona Cardinals’ coach Ken Whisenhunt. “It was an area that we wanted to certainly continue to look at, so we put claims in and fortunately got both of them.”
Former Saluki adjusts to life in NFL
% e matches won were few and far between for the men’s tennis team this weekend, but head coach Dann Nelson said he is not worried.
% e Salukis took part in the Middle Tennessee State University Dale Short Shootout tournament in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Friday through Sunday. Only ! ve match victories were recorded for the Salukis, but the competition was notably aggressive. Nelson said the University of Alabama-Birmingham, University of Memphis and MTSU provided the Salukis with an opportunity to gauge the team’s progress thus far.
“We have four new players in the lineup this year,” Nelson said. “Now we know what we need to do to get better.”
Nelson said the stats may not indicate many highlights; however there were things he saw on the court that he liked.
Senior Stanislas Rodier played in his ! rst competitive match since May 2010 before he transferred to SIU from Tyler Junior College in Texas.
Rodier won his ! rst match in two sets, but lost his next two matches, both in three sets. Rodier said he was ready to get back on the court.
“I think I fought hard to win, so I was happy about that,” Rodier said.
% e only other Saluki to post a victory in singles play was junior Jordan Snyder, who defeated his UAB opponent Sunday in two sets.
Sophomore Jorge Cavero did not post a win but took the 115th ranked player in the NCAA all the way to three sets before he lost 3-6 in the ! nal set.
Cavero said he has to work on several things, but not so much in regards to his physical performance.
“I need to keep my mental strength when the match gets close and try to ! nish with a win,” Cavero said.
Nelson said he was also impressed with the team in doubles action. % e Salukis posted one doubles victory Friday as well as two more Sunday. Cavero and Badr Cherradi won their match Friday with a score of 9-7 against MTSU, while the pairings of Rodier and senior Brandon Florez, and freshman Martijn Admiraal and freshman Szymon Opieczonek won Sunday against UAB.
“Rodier and Florez really played well in their doubles match-up,” Nelson said. “% at really stood out to me.”
Nelson said he was encouraged by his team’s e$ ort and thinks most of their corrections will revolve around ! tness.
“When guys would get into a third set, you could tell they were tired,” Nelson said. “For the most part though, the e$ ort was obviously there.”
% e Salukis travel to Tulsa, Okla., to compete in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-American tournament set to begin Saturday and conclude Tuesday.
Kevin Taylor can be reached at [email protected]
or at 536-3311 ext. 269.
Tennis starts tournament with tough competitionKEVIN TAYLORDaily Egyptian
For the rest of the story, please see
www.dailyegyptian.com.
Former SIU cornerback Korey Lindsey joined the Arizona Cardinals after being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals and waived Sept. 3. During his senior year at SIUC, Lindsey had 56 punt returns and 19 kick returns, according to the Saluki Athletics website.PROVIDED PHOTO
CORY DOWNERDaily Egyptian
Peyton Manning underwent another neck surgery Sept. 8, and despite the slim chance of a return, Colts owner Jim Irsay said he
won’t put Manning on the injured reserve list. Do you think there is any chance he will return to play this season?
Unions express concerns, need for strike voteSARAH SCHNEIDERDaily Egyptian
Donald Chamberlain, left, a senior from Carbondale studying speech communication, engages in a spontaneous religious debate Monday. Keith Darrell, right, who said he is an evangelical preacher, began speaking to passers-by outside Lawson Hall. While some students heckled
Darrell, others challenged his interpretation of Christianity. Campus police said he had the right to be on campus unless he was to disrupt classes. One student was asked to leave the area after throwing Darrell’s stepstool. Darrell was asked by campus police to move to the Free Forum Area.
BROOKE GRACE | DAILY EGYPTIAN
Please see STRIKE | 3 Please see ISSUES | 3
Preacher sparks religious debate on campus
Illegal poll emerges beforestrike vote
A department chair illegally polled individuals about their opinions and actions concerning the potential strike on campus.
! e department chair’s name could not be revealed because the incident is considered a personnel matter, said Rod Sievers, university spokesman.
Although the illegal activity has been put to an end, this action could potentially sway votes or impact an individual’s decision concerning the strike, said Randy Hughes, associate professor in mathematics and president of the Faculty Association.
Hughes said in an email to Faculty Association members Sunday that such activity is considered unfair labor practice. Polling individuals about their opinions or initiating conversations about the strike is illegal surveillance of employees under the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, he said.
“I think it’s important for us to address any sort of infraction that might occur,” he said. “You never really know (if) you’re seeing the whole picture or just the tip of the iceberg.”
! ree of the four campus unions are scheduled to vote this week to authorize a strike.
! e four Illinois Education Association unions will vote within the next two weeks to give authorization to their governing bodies to set a date for a strike. If given authorization, a strike could be called at any time.
Sievers said he believes the department chair was taking steps to ensure students will be protected by " nding out what classes will continue, as well as what classes might not be held.
“(! e department chair) asked some questions that made some of the people in her department feel uncomfortable,” he said. “When informed of this, that this action could be construed as illegal, the department chair backed o# and withdrew the question.”
Sievers said an email was sent a$ er the incident to deans and supervisors, stating that polling individuals about their opinions or whether they plan to participate in the strike is illegal.
Asking an individual whether they intend to vote in the strike authorization, if they would vote yes or no or if they would participate in the strike is illegal, said Jim Clark, Illinois Education Association-National Education Association Representative. However, asking deans about contingency plans is legal, he said.
Provost John Nicklow said department chairs were never asked asked to poll faculty. He said he did speak with deans to determine the level of impact they anticipated.
Employees not required to reveal personal plans, protected by labor lawsLAUREN LEONEDaily Egyptian
! e " rst of four unions without contracts is scheduled to vote today for employees’ authorization to strike.
Cyndi Kessler-Criswell, president of the Association of Civil Service and o% ce manager for the Rehabilitation Institute, said the association will vote because employees are overworked and want a contract that will ensure fair working conditions.
! e four Illinois Education Association unions have gone more than 450 days without contracts — dating back to when their four-year contract ended in June 2010 — and are the last of 18 campus unions in negotiations.
Chancellor Rita Cheng said she hopes the union and administration bargaining teams will reach an agreement. College budgets were cut by 2.2 percent this year rather than the temporary measure of the four unpaid days applied last academic year, she said. ! e university’s " nancial situation has to be kept in mind during negotiations, she said.
If the authorizations are approved, the unions do not necessarily have to go on strike, but receive the authority to set a date. Leaders for the unions have said they do not want to strike, but they believe this is the last option to get fair contracts.
Faculty AssociationRandy Hughes, professor of
mathematics and president of the Faculty Association, said the union will vote Wednesday for strike authorization.
He said key issues that are open articles in the contract concern the threat to tenure by reduction in force, temporary reduction of wage by unpaid days, sexual harassment procedure, con& ict of interest, policies and procedures, association rights, " nancial issues regarding salaries and bene" ts, program changes and operating papers.
Morteza Daneshdoost, a professor of electrical and computer engineering and bargaining team member for the Faculty Association, said the association asked the administration’s bargaining team to recognize that the " nancial situation
can & uctuate year to year. He said salary increases should re& ect the " nancial situation, rather than be a set number.
If there is no increase in revenue then there will be no increase. If there was, for example, a 3 percent increase, then salaries would increase 3 percent, according to the proposal.
“! is is helping the university in tough times, but understanding in good times, we get that money back,” he said.
Daneshdoost said if unpaid days need to be implemented, the association wants the university to demonstrate there is a need, versus simply imposin.
Cheng said the SIU Board of Trustees has always been able to call for " nancial exigency, which is a board policy.
Hughes said under the terms the administration imposed on the union in the spring, a faculty member could be laid o# when deemed necessary if the university declared a state of " nancial exigency.
! e association’s bargaining team has proposed a process to determine when there is an extreme " nancial problem that would determine if layo# s should be applied in order to keep the university running.
Hughes said the " nancial challenges the university faces come from state funding but that money has become a smaller portion of the university’s overall budget. He said the increase in tuition from year to year should cover the losses from the state.
Cheng said the university faces " nancial challenges but continues to cut costs. She said the enrollment decline this fall cost the university another $1 million.
“We must be very careful about how we spend our money,” she said.
Daneshdoost said for the number of days the association has been in negotiation, there has been little progress.
“In the past four negotiations we have had, even though we have been extremely civilized, there has been no real progress — what you would call a noticeable presentable progress,” he said.
Non-Tenure Track Faculty Association
Anita Stoner, president of the NTTFA and visiting assistant professor in the School of Journalism, said the association will vote Oct. 5 to authorize a strike.
Stoner said the bargaining team for the association wants language in the contract that will give faculty members job security.
She said they want notice of layo# s or non-reappointments.
“Until a person becomes continuing faculty, it is a nightmare,” she said. “It is about courtesy and respecting us. We are not the Faculty Association. We are skilled, experienced people that are giving back to the university because we want to make a di# erence.”
Rod Sievers, university spokesperson, could not immediately get numbers of non-reappointed non-tenure track faculty and administrative professionals from last year, he said.
Stoner said distance education is also an issue in negotiations because it would overload faculty members if they had to teach online classes in addition to the classes they already teach.
Cheng said distance education is critical to the future of the university as part of the strategy for enrollment growth, because it provides the ability to o# er courses and programs online to compete for students in Illinois, the region and the world.
Stoner said the union did not ask for salary increases but were o# ered them. She said there has been a breakdown of collective bargaining.
“! is is about more than money,” she said.
Graduate Assistants UnitedJim Podesva, president of the GAU, said
the union will vote for strike authorization Friday.
He said the group is currently negotiating fee freezes and health care issues.
Kristi Brown" eld, vice president of communications for the GAU, said fee levels have almost doubled since 2007.
“! at hurts students,” she said.