Questions and Answers: Organizing a Union with the IEA-NEA
In general, what are the benefits of organizing a union?
 Decision-making power regarding the terms of our employment;
 Coverage of all rights and protections of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act
(IELRA);
 A contract with employee rights clearly defined and a grievance procedure ending in
binding arbitration to resolve disputes;
 Credibility and respect: being taken seriously when you raise concerns with your
employer;
 Due process and equitable treatment
 The resources, expertise and assistance of the IEA-NEA, including organizational, officer
and representative training, IEA-NEA Research resources, expert legal assistance, and
more
What rights and protections do we have if we organize under the Illinois
Educational Labor Relations Act (IELRA)?
First, when no union is in place, the employer has the ultimate authority to make 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
now have in the governance of the university is determined by the employer.
The IELRA 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
salary, 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 and constitute 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?
The SIUE Faculty Association has already been chartered as an autonomous local union
affiliated with IEA-NEA. This means that you will draft and adopt a new Constitution and Bylaws
to govern your local and elect officers accordingly. (This will replace our present interim structure
based on volunteer reps.) 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.
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 any adverse action against you. You have someone to help you when needed
and will have a contract providing basic employment rights - to which you can hold the employer
accountable. Non-unionized employees are “at will” and do not enjoy Union
Representation Rights.
Is union membership mandatory and what does it cost?
SIUE FA IEA/NEA membership is voluntary. Once we win the election, only members will serve
on the Bargaining Team and in leadership positions, and only members will be able to vote on for
officers or to approve a collective bargaining agreement. However, the union has a duty to
represent all Faculty in the bargaining unit, whether they are members or not. Still, faculty are
welcome and encouraged to join the union now at a temporarily reduced level of annual dues - to
add to our base of committed activists - and to enjoy protections, benefits, services and discounts
listed in the next Q&A below.
SIUE FA 'Organizing Dues' (2007-08 Academic Year)
$32.50/per month (nine deductions, Sept 07 - May 08)
$81.50(NEA) +
$211(IEA) = Total $ 292.50
Full level IEA-NEA dues are $570.00 for 2007-08 membership year, including a $15 local dues
amount. Full dues won't begin until after we secure bargaining rights and a contract is negotiated
and ratified by the membership.
Please note:
 There are no initiation fees or other expenses to members.
 The above amount covers all IEA-NEA services including legal assistance.
 The IEA dues amount includes a $20 annual Illinois Political Action Committee for Education
(IPACE)
 IPACE bases support for candidates on public education issues only, regardless of political
party affiliation.
 The IPACE fee will be rebated to members upon request.
Once bargaining rights are won, the law requires the union to represent members and nonmembers alike. In turn, the union can bargain a Fair Share clause in the contract which requires
non-members to pay a substantial portion of the cost of representation. Fair Share is not
automatic. It must be agreed upon in negotiations and ratified by both sides.
What do our dues dollars get us?
A few of the major benefits are:
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Full voting privileges in all union votes;
Professional assistance with contract negotiations and grievances;
Expense paid legal services for job-related problems;
$1,000,000 liability insurance protection;
Up to $50,000 accidental death/dismemberment insurance;
Individual assistance and advice when you need help;
Attorney referral program including an hour of free consultation for non jobrelated business;
Access to NEA Membership Benefits (including low cost car insurance,
home/rental insurance, travel programs, high yield CD and money market
certificates, and other discounted programs)
How are dues raised?
Your local sets its local dues in accordance with your local's bylaws. IEA dues are only 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.
Once we have collective bargaining representation, can the University take
away any of our current benefits?
Once you have organized a union, the College cannot unilaterally change any of your current
working conditions. All matters related to salaries, 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.