Update from Loyola University Chicago on SEIU Strike

April 3, 2018

Dear Parents of Loyola University Chicago Students:

I am writing to make you aware that Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 73, a union which represents 350 full- and part-time non-tenure-track (NTT) faculty in Loyola’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and about 10 faculty in the English Language Learning Program (ELLP), is planning a strike and promoting a campus-wide walkout on Wednesday, April 4. It is anticipated that some non-union faculty may also cancel classes and that students (including some of Loyola’s graduate assistants with teaching duties) will “walk out,” as well.

It is highly disappointing that the SEIU would call a strike and disrupt our students’ education, particularly given the efforts Loyola has made to reach a fair and reasonable collective bargaining agreement. Loyola believes contract issues are best settled at the bargaining table, and we have been committed from the very beginning to transparency and collaborative negotiations.

I want to be very clear that Loyola does not want a strike, and we are eager to continue negotiations to reach an agreement. However, our parents and students can be assured that Loyola is prepared and equipped to minimize disruption to students and to continue campus operations and events as usual during the SEIU strike. Our students’ intellectual and spiritual needs remain our top priority.

Facts to Know About a SEIU Local 73 Strike:

• The University will not cancel classes during the SEIU strike. However, students should expect that faculty who decide to participate in the strike will not teach their classes as scheduled.
• If faculty choose to participate in an SEIU strike, they will be requested to update Sakai, our online learning management system, out of courtesy to their students. Striking faculty will not receive pay from Loyola for days they are on strike.
• Unless directed otherwise on Sakai, students should report to their classes as usual. If the instructor is not present, students should wait at least 15 minutes before leaving.
• If classes do not meet, students will be expected to keep up with the syllabi and related assignments unless they hear otherwise from instructors.
• Students’ grades will not be impacted by a strike.
• All non-union faculty are expected to teach their courses, and administrative and support staff will be performing their normal jobs.
• All campus buildings and facilities will remain open, and campus operations will continue as usual. Food service and housekeeping at residence halls will continue as usual. Athletic and other events will continue as planned.
• We have established a website for all information on negotiations and the SEIU strike.

It is important for everyone in the Loyola community to know that the administration has worked hard over many months to reach a fair and reasonable agreement that is consistent with our commitment to social justice and our Jesuit values. The University has made proposals that provide increased job security, greater clarity around appointments/reappointments, and significant increases in compensation, which would make Loyola CAS non-tenure-track faculty among the highest paid non-tenured faculty in Chicagoland. Loyola’s proposals would give raises to all members of the bargaining unit, including a very significant 33–35 percent increase to the standard per credit hour rate for CAS part-time instructors and annual merit raises consistent with those earned by tenured and tenure-track faculty. We have also sought a fiscally responsible agreement to ensure we continue to offer a high-quality, affordable education to our students. 

We are committed to resuming negotiations with the Union and reaching a fair and reasonable agreement as soon as possible. In the meantime, please know that our students remain our top priority.

Sincerely,

Jo Ann Rooney, JD, LLM, EdD
President
Loyola University Chicago