ECC strike on hold as talks progress

Instructors at Elgin Community College will not go on strike — at least for now — as they work with the ECC board and a federal mediator to reach a new agreement.

The ECC faculty union postponed filing a 10-day intent-to-strike notice, required by law if a strike were to take place because of progress made during mediation sessions.

“It was ready to go,” said Gary Christenson, a spokesman for the union. “It was a real possibility.”

The union membership authorized leadership to call a strike, if deemed necessary, in January. Since then, negotiators from both sides have entered into federal mediation — which is required before the faculty can walk out.

While both sides say they cannot address specifics under the rules of mediation, they said progress has been made.

“A little bit of progress seems very refreshing,” Christenson said. “I think we would stay with the mediator as long as progress is being made because he's the only one who's been able to bring it about.”

ECC board President Eleanor MacKinney, who is seeking re-election Tuesday, commended teachers for delaying the intent-to-strike notice.

“I think that's a very positive sign,” MacKinney said. “That helps ease the anxiety of students ... wondering whether their teachers are going to be in the classroom the next day.”

She added, “I think anytime you're in mediation and making progress, that's a good thing.”

The board earlier proposed a salary freeze for teachers. The sides would not comment on whether that was still on the table. The next mediation session is set for Wednesday.