During a special meeting on August 6, 2024, the Western Illinois University (WIU) board approved Resolution No. 24.8/1, authorizing staff reductions. Merrill Cole, President of the WIU Chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois (UPI Local 4100), issued this statement:
“We are angry and deeply disappointed by this administration’s decision. Despite their lofty goals and compassionate rhetoric at Tuesday’s Board of Trustees meeting, Interim President Mindrup and her team have chosen to devastate futures, families, and communities rather than devise a real solution to address WIU’s fiscal challenges.
“Layoffs are not a plan. They are a desperate attempt by this administration to appear as if they are taking bold action. Students, faculty and staff, and community members know better.
“We will continue to fight to save our members’ jobs. Past layoffs have made matters worse by lowering enrollment and decimating educational programs and student services. This is a lose-lose proposition for students, the university, and our regional economy.
“We urge Interim President Mindrup and this administration to do the right thing: Stop the layoffs and work with our union. Together, we can develop a serious long-term plan that will build – not break – WIU.”
The Western Illinois University chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois (IFT Local 4100) represents about 500 faculty, instructors, academic support professionals and technical support staff at Western Illinois University in Macomb. They are affiliated with the Illinois Federation of Teachers