UIS Faculty Planning to Strike Friday Unless Agreement Reached

Union representatives say 11 months of unproductive bargaining leaves them no choice but to strike.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:50pm

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A silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated image of a university campus building in bold, neon colors, conceptually representing the conflict and activism surrounding the faculty strike at UIS.A vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration captures the energy and tension surrounding the potential faculty strike at the University of Illinois Springfield.Springfield Today

University of Illinois Springfield United Faculty (UISUF) plan to strike on Friday unless Chancellor Gooch and the UIS administration reach an agreement with the union before then. Union representatives say they have engaged in nearly 11 months of unproductive bargaining, and they cannot accept the administration's proposed 1% raise, which they say is a pay cut given the high inflation.

Why it matters

The potential strike highlights ongoing tensions between faculty and administration at the University of Illinois system, with the union arguing that resources are being prioritized for the Urbana-Champaign campus at the expense of the Springfield campus. A strike could significantly disrupt operations and classes at the University of Illinois Springfield.

The details

UISUF plans to begin striking at 9:30 a.m. on Friday on the Quad, starting with picketing, a solidarity rally, and a news conference with union leaders, members, students, and lawmakers. The union is demanding a fair contract that does not include the administration's proposed 1% raise, which they say is a pay cut given high inflation. The university says it remains committed to supporting students and has plans in place to minimize disruption should a strike occur.

  • UISUF plans to strike beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2026, unless an agreement is reached before then.
  • The union has been engaged in nearly 11 months of unproductive bargaining with the administration.

The players

University of Illinois Springfield United Faculty (UISUF)

The union representing tenured and tenure-track faculty at the University of Illinois Springfield campus.

Chancellor Gooch

The chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield campus.

Dathan Powell

The president of UISUF and a professor in the Art, Music, and Theatre department.

John Miller

The president of the University Professionals of Illinois and Membership Secretary for the Illinois Federation of Teachers.

Timothy Killeen

The president of the University of Illinois system.

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What they’re saying

“It is clear that Chancellor Gooch and this administration have no respect for faculty or our work educating students, so they have given us no choice but to strike.”

— Dathan Powell, UISUF President and Art, Music, and Theatre professor

“President Killeen and the Board of Trustees have a responsibility to fix this inequity, and Chancellor Gooch must fulfill her role to advocate for the resources UIS needs and deserves.”

— John Miller, President of University Professionals of Illinois and Membership Secretary for the Illinois Federation of Teachers

What’s next

The University of Illinois Springfield and UISUF are scheduled to meet again this afternoon in a final attempt to reach an agreement and avoid the planned strike on Friday.

The takeaway

This potential strike highlights the ongoing tensions between faculty and administration at the University of Illinois system, with the union arguing that resources are being unfairly distributed away from the Springfield campus. A work stoppage could significantly disrupt operations and classes at UIS, underscoring the need for the university and union to find a fair compromise.