More than 300 buildings, grounds and dining services employees at Illinois State University in Normal are set to strike early Wednesday. The workers, represented by AFSCME Local 1110, plan to walk off the job and form picket lines at multiple locations across campus.
Media availability with striking workers and union representatives is scheduled at Watterson Towers, 301 S. Fell Ave., beginning at 6 a.m., and outside ISU President Aondover Tarhule’s VIP breakfast at CEFCU Arena, 700 W. College Ave., from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Union officials say many of the employees are among the lowest paid on campus, with starting wages around $16.60 an hour and no raises in nearly two years. They also say the university has declined to offer retroactive pay for 2025 and is seeking to remove a contract provision guaranteeing union members receive wage increases comparable to other university employees.
