Labor unions kick off year with annual picnic

By: Nicole Milstead/ Activities editor

Posted: 8/29/05

A common goal of labor unions is to gain better working conditions, better salaries and better benefits for their workers.

On Saturday, Charleston labor unions from various industries met for an annual picnic in Fox Ridge State Park. The Rich Dulka Memorial Picnic was a free event for members and their families.

Charles Delman, a professor from Eastern's math department, represented the University Professionals of Illinois local 4100. Also

represented were 10 to 11 local unions representing the federal, state and county municipal employees such as the civil service workers and the building service workers, Delman said.

Eastern professionals like professors, advisers and support staff have had a contract for four years that is expiring in August 2006. The

contract gives them a 3 percent increase each year.

"Our 2 (percent) to 3 percent increase across the board barely keeps up with inflation," Delman said.

The professional staff will begin negotiations with the administration for its new contract.

"It is important to have competitively paying positions to get good people," said Lynanne Page, an English professor. "If we don't have good

professors, then our degrees go down in value."

It takes 10 years to get a doctorate, and professors have student loans to pay off. This is important in keeping the value of our degrees, said Page, an Eastern alumna.

"Compared to other Illinois schools, our salaries are alarming," Delman said.

Student support is needed to gain a successful contract. In addition to local workers and professors, students from the EIU College Democrats were present to show support.

All professional staff members are involved in the same contract. The new contract will apply to those who are both in and out of the labor union.