Union Rights & Benefits

Through the power of union representation, tenured and tenure-track faculty at Northern Illinois University collectively and individually have specific rights as outlined within the terms of the United Faculty Alliance’s contract with the employer.

Current Contract

Our contract, known formally as the Collective Bargaining Agreement (or CBA), is a legally binding document between the UFA and the employer, Northern Illinois University, that outlines the rights of tenured and tenure-track faculty and procedures pertaining to multiple aspects of employment, including wages and raises, working conditions, grievances, discipline, and governance.

Policy on Hot, Cold, and Overly Humid Classrooms 

On August 7, 2026, UFA successfully completed negotiations with the Employer establishing new policies supporting students, faculty, staff, and other employees of NIU who find themselves in rooms that are uncomfortably hot, cold, and/or humid.  These policies empower both employees and students to take the initiative if they find building environments at NIU are not conducive to learning or to holding meetings.

Depending on circumstances, classes or meetings may be moved, postponed, or even cancelled at the discretion of faculty.  The full policy may be accessed on the NIU website HERE.

MOU on Impacts of Changes in Federal Funding and Policy since January 20, 2025 

An MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) is an agreement that is bargained for with the employer in between collective bargaining agreements. This MOU (linked below) was signed June 27, 2025, and seeks to mitigate the impacts upon research and service opportunities for faculty that came about as a result of the change in federal administration beginning on January 20, 2025.

UFA Bylaws 

The UFA Bylaws are the governing document for our union, defining leadership roles and committee responsibilities, determining rules for meetings, and guiding elections.

Union Discounts 

Through the UFA’s affiliation with  the Illinois Federation of Teachers, and the American Federation of Teachers dues-paying members have access to  a wide range of benefits, including financial, health, and legal services, educational opportunities, and savings and discounts on travel and shopping. 

Previous Contracts

Previous MOU’s (Memoranda of Understanding)

MOU’s are things that are bargained for with the employer in between collective bargaining agreements. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, UFA leadership  successfully lobbied on behalf of faculty for working conditions that put the safety of the entire campus community first and secured additional rights and provisions for faculty to address the impact of the pandemic on teaching, research, and artistry.

Have questions? Contact us.