UIS faculty strike ends

https://www.nprillinois.org/education-desk/2026-04-20/uis-faculty-strike-ends

NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS | By Sean Crawford
Published April 20, 2026 at 6:53 AM CDT

After more than two weeks on the picket line, tenured and tenure-track faculty at the University of Illinois Springfield have a deal to return to work. Faculty will be back in the classroom today.

Marathon bargaining sessions over the weekend resulted in a tentative three-year agreement with the school. Details have not been released, and the agreement must still be ratified.

"During the 17-day strike forced upon us by Chancellor Gooch, we were supported by many students, staff, faculty, alumni, retirees, former employees, faculty colleagues at other Illinois public colleges and universities and community members. We are grateful for their support!" the UIS United Faculty posted on social media early Monday.

The strike began April 3. While professors are going back to teaching, it's unclear if they will remain. "Our bargaining team made the difficult decision to suspend this strike because we do not want our students to lose further instructional time as they head into final exams and graduation," said Professor Dathan Powell, UISUF President.

FULL story at link above.