ISU sued for hiring replacement workers amidst strike

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Illinois State University is being sued for allegedly violating state law by hiring replacement workers amidst a union strike.

More than 300 ISU building services, grounds, and dining services employees have been on strike for two weeks while asking for better pay. They have not received a raise in 2 years.

A lawsuit was filed Tuesday evening in McLean County Circuit Court by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31, the union representing the striking workers.

Plaintiffs include ISU students, the Normal Township supervisor, and the local union president who is an ISU building service worker.

The lawsuit claims that "to gain leverage to 'win' the strike, the University has contracted with companies that have hired temporary employees to cross picket lines and perform the work of the strikers. This action is illegal. It violates the 2004 amendments to the Employment of Strikebreakers Act, which prohibit employers from replacing strikers by entering into contracts with companies in the business of providing day and temporary labor."

AFSCME said it has identified at least four private, for-profit companies with which ISU has contracted for strikebreakers. It said some were hired at higher rates of pay than the striking ISU employees receive.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to issue a permanent injunction barring the University from hiring strikebreakers.

"ISU refuses to negotiate. Instead, they're breaking the law," AFSCME Council 31 executive director Roberta Lynch said.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Treasurer Michael Frerichs spoke out this week, calling on Illinois State University administration to settle a contract with union staff.

Giannoulias said trash is piling up and student dining options are limited.

"As a statewide elected official representing voters in communities throughout Illinois, I have watched the work stoppage at Illinois State University carefully and with concern. And as an employer myself, I know from experience that - while it may not always be easy - it is always possible to reach an agreement with employees that benefits everyone," Giannoulias said.

WAND News has reached out to Illinois State University officials for comment on the lawsuit and the ongoing strike.