labor union

Recent polling suggests a lot more Americans approve of unions today than 10 years ago. But new federal estimates show that approval hasn't necessarily translated to large gains in membership – especially in Indiana.

The nearly two-week strike started after workers received their newest contract proposal.

Some 30 Purdue graduate workers and faculty rallied Wednesday to show support for Indiana University graduate workers' efforts to have their union recognized by IU.

Following a recommendation by their coordinating committee, members of the Indiana Graduate Worker Coalition – United Electrical Workers (IGWC-UE) voted against striking Monday.

From the picket line Friday, more than 100 workers were striking to demand a wage increase that accounts for rising health insurance costs after the company’s final 2-year contract proposal included a 50-cent raise.

Following a five-day strike, the university and the union reached a new deal.

Details won’t be released until the membership begins voting on the contract in the coming days. What is known is that it’s a four-year deal with raises taking place in years one through three.

Before hitting the picket line, the faculty union had been working without a contract since August 31 when its old contract expired. The two sides remain at odds over pay and health care benefits.

The EMU faculty union said 91% of its members voted Tuesday night to go on strike. A university spokesman accuses the faculty union of voting to “walk out” on EMU students one week into the fall semester.

Indiana is home to three minor league baseball teams directly affiliated with the major leagues. On Tuesday, the Major League Baseball Players Association officially asked the MLB to voluntarily recognize a minor league players union.