ADJUNCTS of LINCOLN LAND
Illinois Education Association/NEA
3440 Liberty Drive * Springfield IL 62704 * 217/787-7060
Questions and Answers About Organizing a Union with the IEA-NEA
In general, what are the benefits of organizing a union?
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A collective voice in the decision-making process;
The rights and protections of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act
(IELRA);
A contract with employee rights clearly defined and a grievance clause ending in
binding arbitration to resolve disputes;
Credibility: being taken seriously when you raise concerns with your employer;
The resources, expertise and assistance of the IEA-NEA;
Fair treatment.
What rights and protections do we have if we organize under the Illinois Educational Labor
Relations Act (IELRA)?
The employer has exclusive authority to hire, fire, set wages, hours and benefits and to make other
decisions related to your employment. Unorganized employees have very few guaranteed rights or
protections unless they have obtained collective bargaining recognition under the law. Whatever voice
you have in the governance of the College is determined by the College.
The IELRA dramatically limits the employer’s rights to make decisions unilaterally. Under the Act, the
employer is required to bargain in good faith and in a timely manner all decisions regarding wages,
hours, benefits and working conditions with your democratically elected representatives.
When we organize, does the IELRA protect us from retaliation?
You are fully protected in the exercise of your rights to organize. Acts of harassment, coercion and
intimidation are violations of state law, constituting an unfair labor practice. The IEA will provide you
the legal services necessary to ensure that this law is followed.
When we organize, what kind of union will we have?
You will be chartered as an autonomous local union affiliated with IEA-NEA. This means that you will
draft and adopt a Constitution and Bylaws to govern your local and elect officers accordingly. You will
maintain a local treasury. All policies regarding the direction of your local will be determined in a
democratic manner. IEA will provide your local with professional and legal resources needed to be an
effective organization, but you will decide policies and goals for your local.
How much are IEA-NEA dues for part-time community college faculty?
IEA-NEA per semester dues for part-time faculty locals are as follows:
IEA
$58.00
NEA
$22.00
Local $ 7.50 (minimum recommended)
TOTAL $87.50
There are no initiation fees or other expenses to members.
The above amount covers all IEA-NEA services including legal assistance.
Dues will not begin until a contract is ratified.
(over)
What do we get for our dues?
A few of the major benefits are:
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Full legal services for job-related problems;
$1,000,000 liability insurance protection;
Professional assistance with negotiations;
Grievance/arbitration assistance;
Training programs;
$50,000 accidental death/dismemberment insurance;
Access to NEA Membership Benefits (IEA members save money by purchasing
low cost car insurance, home/rental insurance, travel programs, high yield CD
and money market certificates, and other discounted programs);
Individual assistance and advice when you need help; and
Attorney referral program including an hour of free consultation for non jobrelated business.
Will everyone be required to join the union?
Membership is voluntary. However, since all represented employees enjoy the gains in pay and
benefits that come with a collective bargaining agreement, most of our higher education locals include a
Fair Share clause in their contracts. Such a clause requires non-members to pay a Fair Share fee
which is only marginally less than dues. Fair Share fee payers are not eligible to vote on contracts, for
officers or serve as officers or on committees.
What is the right to representation?
If you organize, you have a right to representation in all meetings with an administrator that could
possibly result in disciplinary action against you). You have someone to help you when needed and a
contract providing basic employment rights. Employees, who are not covered by a collective
bargaining unit, are hired “at will”, can be fired without just cause and do not have union
representation rights.
How are dues raised?
Your local sets its local dues in accordance with your constitution and bylaws. IEA dues are raised by
a 2/3 vote of local association delegates elected to the annual IEA Representative Assembly (RA).
Likewise, it takes a 2/3 vote of the elected delegates at the annual NEA RA to raise NEA dues. Last
year 10,000 delegates attended the NEA RA.
If we vote for collective bargaining representation, can our employer take away any of our
current benefits?
If you organize a union, your employer cannot unilaterally change any of your current working
conditions. All matters related to wages, hours and the terms and conditions of employment are
mandatory subjects of bargaining and remain intact. Any change in the status quo will be negotiated by
and ratified by the membership.
Questions? Contact IEA Organizers
Steve Vaughan (800/638-5544) or David Vitoff (800-462-6213)