UPI at WIU

05/29/2026

IFT members from across Illinois came together for a powerful Lobby Day. We met with lawmakers, rallied with our coalition, and made it clear that students and communities must come before corporate tax breaks.

We delivered backpacks to lawmakers that served as reminders of what students are missing when funding isn't adequate, and how we can raise revenue to fill the gaps. (Spoiler alert - it's taxing the ultra wealthy!)

Let's keep making calls and writing letters through May 31 when session ends.
📲 (773) 985-7899
📝 https://bit.ly/tax-the-ultra-wealthy

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

Illinois has one of the lowest numbers of state workers per capita in the country, and communities are feeling it.

At the same time, lawmakers are advancing megaproject tax breaks that let corporations pay less—while public services go underfunded.

With real revenue, we can rebuild the workforce, ensure efficient services, and strengthen the safety nets our communities depend on.

It’s time to fund what works. Tell lawmakers: https://bit.ly/tax-the-ultra-wealthy
IFPE Local 4408

05/27/2026

This was taken at today's IFT Lobby Day. UPI joined IFT and other unions from across the state to demand revenue reform to fund a better Illinois.

05/21/2026

Please help us keep the pressure on to pass equity funding in this legislative session. Even if you've already written a letter, please do so again. Investing in public higher education is a public good.

With just two weeks of session left, urge budgeteers, and the House and Senate Higher Education Appropriations Committees to support the passage of SB13/HB1581, the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act. Illinois must invest in its institutions of higher education and recognize them f...

05/15/2026

The title here is incomplete. It's the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act. A longer version of this editorial appears in Community News Brief.

"The bill would direct new funding to the universities furthest from adequacy first," writes Merrill Cole.

05/11/2026

The proposed megaprojects bill represents a major transfer of public resources away from schools and into the hands of ultra-rich developers, writes John Miller, president of UPI Local 4100.

05/06/2026

"This struggle was about fair pay, and we won that. Even more importantly, it was about respect, and we earned it," said AFSCME Local 1110 President Chuck Carver.

AFSCME said more than 95% of the 300-plus affected workers who cast votes approved the deal.

04/29/2026

It's time we start asking hard questions about the Flock cameras recently installed on the WIU Macomb campus. Thanks to our student leaders for raising the alarm!

Faculty members David Palumbo-Liu and Stephen Monismith argue that Flock cameras on campus undermine privacy.

04/22/2026

Mayday