The argument between the SIUC Illinois Education Association / National Education Association and the SIUC administration about the lack of union members on the chancellor search committee represents pettiness on both sides.

There will not be a hearing until December for the unfair labor practice filed with the Illinois Education Labor Relations Board by the faculty union in September. Yet, the chancellor search committee continues screening applicants to replace Chancellor Don Beggs.

Even if the IELRB rules in favor of the union, a union member would not become part of the search committee until well into the semi-finalist stage, as SIU President Ted Sanders wants to present the new chancellor to the SIU Board of Trustees at its February meeting. Bringing in a new member so late in the selection process could pose problems because the union member will not have the knowledge of the candidates that the other search committee members do.

Advertisement

Neither side tried to reach an agreement in the dispute the unfair complaint was filed first. It probably would have helped both sides to talk about the problem before bringing in an outside influence like the IELRB.

It appears as if both sides are simply refusing to back down. They have drawn a line in the sand, and neither side will budge. They seem to simply be trying to save face each side trying to prove it is stronger. This is unfortunate, because it hinders progress for everyone.

Since March, the union and administration have been in negotiations over faculty contracts. Instead of arguing about the search committee, the union and administration should be focused on reaching an agreement on the terms of the contracts.

Both sides have expressed the need to work together to reach an agreement. They took the first step by agreeing on the calendar change, which shortened winter break by one week. Union leaders and the administration must use this as a stepping stone toward ending the contract deadlock, which has essentially been ongoing since July.