Controversy Unveiled: Illinois State University Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Strikebreaking Tactics

The union representing certain employees at Illinois State University has taken legal action against the institution, accusing it of hiring temporary workers while its staff is on strike. The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday by AFSCME Council 31, which advocates for about 350 university employees.

According to the union, the university’s decision to bring in temporary staff during the strike breaches the state’s Employment of Strikebreakers Act. This law considers the hiring of replacement workers during a strike a Class A misdemeanor, a significant legal violation.

The lawsuit, highlighted by local media outlet WGLT, claims that Illinois State University has engaged companies to employ temporary workers to cross the picket lines and perform tasks usually handled by the striking employees. “To gain leverage to ‘win’ the strike, the University has contracted with companies that have hired temporary employees to cross picket lines and perform the work of the strikers,” the lawsuit states, emphasizing the illegality of such actions.

The plaintiffs argue that these hiring methods upset the balance of power between the university and its employees. They contend that by alleviating the operational challenges caused by the strike, the university diminishes the strike’s impact, potentially prolonging the dispute.

As the legal battle unfolds, the situation highlights broader tensions in labor relations at educational institutions. Meanwhile, everyday operations, including services like college dining, are affected, as captured in images of students navigating modified services during the strike. (Photo by David Odisho/Bloomberg)

Consequently, the lawsuit is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief to halt the use of temporary replacement workers, arguing employees could suffer “irreparable” harm without court intervention.

An Illinois State University spokesperson said Wednesday afternoon that the university has not received formal notification of the lawsuit, but that it follows a state procurement process designed to ensure compliance with the law, WGLT reported. 

Visitors hold an Illinois State University Redbirds flag before a game on October 22, 2022. (David Allio/Icon Sportswire)

According to the complaint, the striking members involved work as building services, grounds, and dietary employees. Their duties include maintaining student dormitories and preparing meals in campus dining halls.

The union alleges the university hired five contractors to perform their work, including four cleaning agencies.

Citing the Employment of Strikebreakers Act, which prohibits knowingly contracting with temporary labor agencies to replace striking workers, the union said it has previously raised concerns with the university.

Despite those warnings, the lawsuit claims Illinois State University continued the practice.

Labor union activists march and chant during a union rally on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011. (Bill Clark/Roll Call)

The strike began April 8 following a 10-day notice to the university. The parties reportedly failed to reach an agreement on an “overall economic offer” after their previous contract expired on June 30, 2025.

University officials have said their final offer includes multiple wage increases and hourly rates comparable to similar positions at other area employers, WGLT reported.