This semester has seen the ever popular SIUC drama of union negotiations played out constantly on campus. As a result of this, the Daily Egyptian has dedicated extensive time in covering the issue, as well as giving our opinion on the subject as an editorial board. Our stance is a simple one, since we are unaware of all the discussion that is taking place at the table behind closed doors, we neither agree nor disagree with the faculty or the administration. Our only wish is for a quick resolution that ends in an agreement suitable to both sides. With that in mind, the comments made by Undergraduate Student Government President Dave Vingren concerning the possibly of a faculty strike should be commended because they have finally given the student body a voice in the process.

Vingren proposed a written resolution that he wished the senate to pass at Wednesday’s USG meeting. It states that a strike by instructors would be inconclusive to the academic careers of students. The academic careers he mentions mainly concern seniors in their relation to their upcoming graduation. Regardless of whether or not it passed, the statement can be applied to the student body as a whole. If the faculty were to strike, then seniors definitely would not be the only ones affected.

Regardless of the level of student apathy toward this issue a strike by the union should not be necessary. It would show a failure on both the faculty and the administration to reach a workable solution.

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Another positive about Vingren’s statement is that it finally is a statement by the Undergraduate Student Government concerning this issue. It has been disappointing to see the student body not stepping forward with an opinion. The Graduate Professional Student Council made a statement concerning their opposition to a strike, but there has been no strong student input. Although both statements made by GPSC and Vingren are similar in nature, a stance by USG represents not only seniors, but all underclassmen as well.

It should be noted that the issue of a strike taking place is not the only issue at hand. Would a strike be beneficial to students interests? Of course not, but faculty leaving this University for other institutions is not good either. There should be no need to strike, but there should also be no need for long-term negotiations characterized by stalling.

This is the last editorial that this board will print this semester concerning the faculty union. Our stance has stayed the same throughout the turbulent, often confusing, negotiations. Unfortunately, this drama looks as though it will continue into the next semester and possibly beyond. The faculty and administrators have a right to state their concerns and fight for change where they see fit. What should always be remembered, though, is that this is an institute of higher learning, full of students that are struggling to build a future for themselves. Do not forget them in the battles and posturing you are waging between yourselves.