AFSCME union seeks to charge university with criminal offense for bringing in alleged 'strikebreakers'

The national representing definite Illinois State University employees filed a suit Tuesday against the college, alleging it hired impermanent workers portion unit remained connected strike.

AFSCME Council 31, which represents astir 350 employees, says the determination violates the state’s Employment of Strikebreakers Act, which classifies specified behaviour arsenic a Class A misdemeanor.

"To summation leverage to 'win' the strike, the University has contracted with companies that person hired impermanent employees to transverse picket lines and execute the enactment of the strikers," a transcript of the suit shared by section outlet WGLT said. "This enactment is illegal." 

Plaintiffs reason that specified hiring practices distort the equilibrium of powerfulness betwixt leader and employees and prolong the onslaught by easing the university’s operational strain from the nonaccomplishment of services.

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Food is displayed for students astatine a assemblage eating hallway connected Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022. (David Odisho/Bloomberg)

Consequently, the suit is seeking declaratory and injunctive alleviation to halt the usage of impermanent replacement workers, arguing employees could endure "irreparable" harm without tribunal intervention.

An Illinois State University spokesperson said Wednesday day that the assemblage has not received ceremonial notification of the lawsuit, but that it follows a authorities procurement process designed to guarantee compliance with the law, WGLT reported. 

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Visitors clasp an Illinois State University Redbirds emblem earlier a crippled connected October 22, 2022. (David Allio/Icon Sportswire)

According to the complaint, the striking members progressive enactment arsenic gathering services, grounds, and dietary employees. Their duties see maintaining pupil dormitories and preparing meals successful field eating halls.

The national alleges the assemblage hired 5 contractors to execute their work, including 4 cleaning agencies.

Citing the Employment of Strikebreakers Act, which prohibits knowingly contracting with impermanent labour agencies to regenerate striking workers, the national said it has antecedently raised concerns with the university.

Despite those warnings, the suit claims Illinois State University continued the practice.

Labor national activists march and chant during a national rally connected Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011. (Bill Clark/Roll Call)

The onslaught began April 8 pursuing a 10-day announcement to the university. The parties reportedly failed to scope an statement connected an "overall economical offer" aft their erstwhile declaration expired connected June 30, 2025.

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University officials person said their last connection includes aggregate wage increases and hourly rates comparable to akin positions astatine different country employers, WGLT reported.