The union representing part-time faculty members at Columbia College Chicago says it plans to hold a two-day strike this week in protest of low wages, lack of benefits and inadequate job security.
The union said it began bargaining for a new contract in August, and alleges the college administration submitted a proposal that, according to a news release, “removes all protections for job security, seniority, a paid sick day and academic freedom.” Among other things, the administration’s proposal gives the college sole power to assign teachers to courses without consideration of seniority, according to the union.
Columbia asserts that it attempted to begin negotiating last fall but that the part-time faculty association wasn’t willing to bargain until this summer. The contract expired Aug. 31.
The college said in a statement that it offered a “broad set of proposals that included a salary increase” Nov. 10, but said the union, the Part-Time Faculty Association, has not responded.
The union represents about 1,200 faculty members at Columbia College, but it is unclear how many will participate in the strike.
In the union’s news release, it accused the administration of using “various fraudulent methods to break the union, eliminate members and create a climate of fear.”
Columbia said it has sought the aid of a federal mediator. The next bargaining session is scheduled for Friday. Columbia College’s fall semester ends Dec. 16.
The strike is set to be held on Wednesday and Thursday.
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