Unit A Faculty, Unit B Faculty, and Unit B Academic Support Professionals:
We write with some important information about the extension to the Unit A and Unit B EIU-UPI collective bargaining agreements. In the spring of 2016, the UPI agreed to potentially defer some salary during the throes of the state budget standoff. There was just one month of salary deferrals in the spring of 2016 that was promptly paid back when EIU received some stop-gap state funds.
The agreement also included the option for the UPI to extend the collective bargaining agreements for an additional year (August 31, 2017 to August 31, 2018). The option was at the UPI's sole discretion, and if exercised, there would be no across-the-board salary increase during the additional year. On January 9, 2017, with no end to the budget impasse in sight, the UPI exercised its option to extend the Unit A Agreement and the Unit B Agreement for one additional year. Although there will be no across-the-board salary increase for 2017-2018, all other salary adjustments (promotion, merit, minima, etc.) provided in both agreements will be processed.
We extend good wishes to all for a successful new academic year.
Jonathan Blitz
UPI Chapter President
Jay D. Gatrell
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
