University News
WIU, UPI Local 4100 Joint Release: Tentative Memorandum of Agreement COVID-19
August 24, 2020
MACOMB/MOLINE, IL -- Western Illinois University (WIU) and the University Professionals of Illinois Local 4100 (UPI) are pleased to report that the two groups have reached a tentative Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) regarding COVID-19 and University operations for 2020-2021 academic year, subject only to legal review.
"I am pleased we've reached an agreement with the UPI leadership. The agreement upholds the health and safety of our employees, while maintaining educational quality for our students. While our modifications to provide a safe work environment for all employees require added costs, these are essential commitments in our efforts for a successful academic semester" said WIU Interim President Martin Abraham. "I would like to thank the members of the bargaining teams for the many hours they have invested in this effort since the middle of July in bringing this to a successful conclusion."
The MOA must be approved and signed by Abraham and UPI leadership.
"UPI is pleased that we have reached an agreement with the WIU leadership that addresses the health and safety of the University community," said UPI WIU Chapter President Bill Thompson. "UPI supports extending similar benefits to all employees on campus. Our members will provide, as they always do, a rich and challenging educational experience for our students. The union also thanks the members of both teams for coming to an agreement."
Consistent with the MOA, the University has begun COVID-19 testing procedures for faculty, staff and students, has plans to install more than 300 HEPA air purifiers in classrooms on the Macomb and Moline campuses and has further enhanced cleaning and other protocols. In addition, the MOA further accommodates faculty who wish to teach remotely, and provides additional compensation for teaching increased class sections due to reduced classroom capacities.
The full MOA will be available at wiu.edu/provost.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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