Unions Halt Merit Board Decision Stripping U of I Workers of Rights

SEIU Local 73 and AFSCME Council 31 have successfully delayed a decision that could have stripped University of Illinois workers of their seniority and bidding rights.

The University Civil Service Merit Board, the governing body of the State University System, had previously declared the university system office as a separate place of employment. In doing so, they disrupted civil service seniority rights, including protections during layoffs and the ability of employees to transfer positions on their campus without losing seniority.

Local 73 also believes the Merit Board’s decision may have endangered employees’ collective bargaining rights.

Shea Marshall, SEIU Local 73 Director of State and Municipal Division and Executive Board Member, and Dave Beck, AFSCME Council 31 Regional Director, spoke on behalf of union members and the University of Illinois System Office at the Merit Board Meeting on Nov. 30.

“There had been no notice this decision had been pending, giving no opportunity to union workers to speak about the potential impact,” said Shea Marshall. “This decision would eliminate seniority and bidding rights for union workers at U of I and exacerbate the already problematic hiring practices by discouraging workers from transferring between campuses.”

The Merit Board voted to delay implementation until March to assess the decision’s impact fully.

The delay gives our union time to put together legal opinions and speak with members about the possible impact of a decision. Workers’ seniority and bidding rights will remain unchanged during that time.

Jami Painter, University of Illinois Senior Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, spoke in favor of the decision at the meeting. This year, SEIU Local 73 prevented union-busting legislation promoted by Painter, which sought to eliminate state residency requirements for civil service jobs at state universities. This legislation was another step towards undermining the right to a union in state universities by eroding bargaining units with non-union workers.

“We will continue to fight these union-busting tactics and protect the collective bargaining rights of our members and the University of Illinois,” said Marshall.