Updated at 4 PM on Oct. 3, 2024
CHAMPAIGN — Custodial and dining workers at the University of Illinois have voted to accept the administration’s contract proposal instead of going back on strike.
The new contract will last three years. Hourly wages will go up by one dollar the first year, 90 cents the next and 85 cents the last year.
“For every contract, we are forced to fight for fair wages. When will UIUC leadership invest in its workers the way it invests in its sports teams?” U of I Service Employees International Union Local 73 President Melody Decker said in a statement.
In addition to wage increases, the contract includes a $500 signing bonus and promises not to lay off food service workers during the summer if there is enough demand.
University spokesperson Robin Kaler said in a statement to IPM News that the administration is pleased the union ratified the agreement and that it is consistent with the market and making the university a good place to work.
Last week, SEIU members went on strike for eight days over wages. Administrators reached a tentative agreement Monday with the bargaining team for Service Employees International Union Local 73.
SEIU Local 73 President Melody Decker said Monday, the agreement is the best they could get.
Workers temporarily returned to work Tuesday. They voted over the next three days to ratify the contract proposal or go back to the picket line.