Western Illinois University eyes laying off more faculty, union responds

MACOMB, Ill. (WCIA) — The union representing faculty and academic support workers at Western Illinois University is speaking out after university administration announced that more layoffs could be coming to the university.

The university previously laid off 35 faculty members in June. On Thursday, the university’s interim president announced at a faculty senate meeting that the university intends to lay off more faculty members and academic support professionals. The exact number is unknown and details won’t be known until after a Board of Trustees meeting scheduled for Aug. 6.

Merrill Cole, president of the WIU Chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois (UPI), Local 4100, shared a statement in response:

“The administration’s announcement to lay off more of our experienced, dedicated faculty and academic support professionals is short-sighted and ill-conceived. These layoffs will impact the quality of education that WIU offers to students, devastating our community and regional economy.

“These layoffs – only days before students return to campus – will reduce academic programs and devalue the high standards we are so proud of here at WIU. Regardless of the potential timing of additional layoffs, they would have a negative and immediate impact. Lower enrollment is sure to follow, which will further harm the university’s bottom line.

“For years, this Board of Trustees has been content to pass irresponsible, unbalanced budgets, while insisting that the university could not cut its way out of its problems. Now, their solution is to take extreme action that would immediately damage WIU’s capacity to serve students and destroy the university’s academic reputation. It didn’t have to be this way. This new administration needs to strengthen and guide the university forward instead of gutting the quality of education.

“For the sake of our students, community, and the future of the WIU, we urge the administration and board members to reconsider their reckless plan, and work with us to find ways to build – not break – this important rural institution.”

Merill Cole, president of the WIU Chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois (UPI), Local 4100,

The WIU chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois represents about 500 faculty, instructors and academic support professionals.

Rep. Gregg Johnson also gave a statement to WCIA on the layoffs.

“My heart goes out to the faculty and academic support workers whose jobs will be lost. I encourage anyone affected to reach out to my office. We will do everything in our power to connect you with programs and services that will help get you back on your feet,” said Johnson. “Layoffs will hurt our local and regional economy, and I am particularly concerned in light of other recent layoffs impacting our region. I am committed to working with my colleagues Sen. Halpin and Rep. Sorenson in conjunction with stakeholders across the area to address this growing problem head-on.”

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