UIC Housing Staff United Wins Union Recognition!
On August 20th, 2025, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board (IELRB) unanimously voted to certify a bargaining unit of more than 170 student housing workers at the University of Illinois - Chicago (UIC). The Board’s decision marks the first time collective bargaining rights have been formally recognized for undergraduate student employees in Illinois’ public university system.
UIC Campus Housing workers, using the name “Housing Staff United” (HSU), began organizing in the summer of 2024 with Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 39. On January 30, 2025, OPEIU filed a majority-interest petition with the IELRB as workers held a rally for union recognition at UIC’s Quad. Over 90% of eligible workers signed union cards with OPEIU. UIC declined to voluntarily recognize the union, and instead challenged the workers right to form a union under Illinois law, citing a “student exception”.
UIC undergraduate housing workers rally to demand recognition of their Union in January 2025
Wednesday’s decision by the IELRB affirmed the right of undergraduate student workers as public employees who may engage in collective bargaining with the University of Illinois. The certified unit includes undergraduate Resident Assistants (RAs); Desk Workers; Desk Managers; Peer Mentors; and Senior Leadership Assistants.
“We were watching the IELRB hearing live,” said Susie Summerlot, RA and member of the union’s organizing committee. “There was so much relief and excitement that we finally got to what we’ve been fighting for. Hearing that HSU would be officially recognized was an absolutely unforgettable moment — organizing this union has shaped so much of my college experience and it was so amazing to hear this decision as I enter my senior year.”
The IELRB will issue the decision officially at its September Board Meeting in accordance with open meetings laws. Once the unit is recognized, workers will begin contract negotiations with the University. HSU’s demands include increased compensation, improved training, additional time off, mental health support, and more.
“We formed HSU to give a collective voice to student staff that have been overworked, underpaid and neglected for years,” said Organizing Committee member and RA Madison Peon. “This union is an opportunity to empower our community and provide stability in a constantly changing environment. InShaAllah bargaining will provide workers with sustainable wages, a more democratic workplace, and safety from retaliation.”