SEIU Negotiations

To date, we have reached tentative agreements on almost all non-economic issues. Only in recent weeks have the parties begun to discuss economic proposals in earnest. As of September 21, 2020, the current economic proposals from UIC are detailed below:

In negotiations with the SEIU compensation continues to be a key issue.

For SEIU Clerical and Technical employees, we have offered to continue annual anniversary step increases for every year of the four year contract. Therefore, under our proposals, these SEIU employees would receive average annual guaranteed minimum increases of:

CONTRACT YEAR                    CLERICAL                    TECHNICAL

One                                                        4.45%                                  5.02%

Two                                                        2.45%                                  3.02%

Three                                                    3.95%                                  4.52%

Four                                                       3.70%                                  4.27%

Also, members of the SEIU Service & Maintenance bargaining unit will continue receiving step increases based upon the progression of months or years worked and not necessarily on an annual basis – this could be up to more than 17% in addition to an increase in the minimum wage. The SEIU Professional unit does not receive step increases.

This proposal allows us to remain highly competitive with peer institutions and exceed expected cost of living increases. For reference, the current Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for 2020 is 1.6%.

*Note: Key terms of the current collective bargaining agreements (including compensation, health insurance and other benefits) remain in effect until new contracts are reached as negotiations continue.