UPDATE: UPCOMING & ONGOING LABOR ACTIONS: UIC NURSES, WAUKEGAN TEACHERS, ELECTIONS, OH MY

There are a number of labor actions either happening or ongoing this week. We are also nearing the election, which will have serious consequences on Illinois unions. Here’s a brief list of what’s happening and where you can learn more

UIC Nurses on Strike

The INA reached a tentative agreement with the University last night, so no picket lines today!

On Tuesday, at 7AM UIC nurses will hold a one-day strike. They are in protracted negotiations with the university over layoffs, union protection for flex-time personnel, and annual wages. They will have picket lines at 1740 W. Taylor from 7AM Tuesday until 6:59AM Wednesday morning. Please stop by and show your support.

Waukegan Teachers’ Strike

The Waukegan Teachers have been out on strike for 10 days now! Please support them by either participating in the Twitter Storm (Monday, 7-9PM, #WaukeganStrong) or by swinging up north and saying hello. Despite a budget surplus, administrators have rejected the union’s requests for wage increases and won’t meet the teachers at the bargaining table. 10 days is long time for teachers and students to be out of school; we need to show the teachers we support them.

Gubernatorial Election

Election day is November 4th! The IFT (our parent union) had endorsed incumbent Pat Quinn, in large part because of Bruce Rauner’s desire to do away with public employee unions and move to more privatized education. If you are interested in phone banking, doing door-to-door visits, or otherwise helping IFT get out the word about Rauner, please contact out staff at geo@uic-geo.net. There’s more information about the walks and phone banks here. Raise Illinois, the group fighting to increase minimum wage statewide, is offering paid election day positions. Election day canvassers will go to unlikely voters’ doors and convince them to vote. Hours are 9AM – 7PM, and canvassers will be paid $100 for the day. For more information, contact Erik Martinez at Erik@RaiseIllinoisAction.com.