News

Faculty union members demonstrate in light of expired work contract

Shantel Lewis and Daniel Nachampassak

January 8, 2026

A large group of ECCFA members arrive to ECC’s building H wearing matching blue t-shirts on January 8. 2026.

Three days from the start of the new spring semester, ECC’s faculty members’ contracts still have not been renewed.

Today around 10 a.m., members of Elgin Community College Faculty Administration (ECCFA) held a demonstration during the spring convocation. Members walked into the Blizzard Theater wearing blue ECCFA T-shirts and holding signs that read “Strength in Unity.” Rows quickly started to fill with more blue shirts in contrast to the 8 a.m. meeting where few were in attendance and all sat staggered.

ECCFA members conversing as they walk out of the Blizzard Theatre. (Madison Curcio)

While giving opening remarks, Annamarie Schopen, Vice President of Teaching, learning and Student Development said, “I love this. We care enough to show up; we care enough to advocate and engage.”

Currently, ECCFA union members are in negotiations’ with the college’s administration for a new contract for faculty members.

“Both parties have agreed to a media blackout,” said Kim Tarver, ECCFA Chief Negotiator for ECCFA. This means neither side offers comments to the press.

An ECCFA member holds a sign high enough for everyone to see, showing support. (Madison Curcio)

Tarver said there are about 350 members in the union and 155 of those members are full time.

“I liked what was in the contract last year,” said Kendra Phipps, Assistant Professor of Surgical Technology and Sterile Processing. She been a faculty member of ECC for more than a decade.

When asked what she hopes to see differently in the new upcoming contract, she said “I hope to see more money.”

Could money be the possible hold up for the current contract renewal?

“I don’t have the information for it,” said James G. Allen Jr., ECC trustee and ECC alum. “We’re currently in negotiations. The two sides are still meeting.”

Small groups of people sit in to listen to the presentation in the Blizzard Theatre.

Madison Curcio
The Blizzard Theatre is lacking attendees, as speakers present information.

Madison Curcio
Members of ECCFA hand out signs to each other.

Madison Curcio
Members of ECCFA hand out signs to each other.

Madison Curcio
The ECCFA logo on a blue t-shirt and button, worn by a faculty member.

Madison Curcio
Attendees in the Blizzard Theatre ask questions about the speaker’s presentation.

Madison Curcio
An ECCFA member, decked out in a blue t-shirt and button, holds an ECCFA Unity sign.

Madison Curcio
Members of ECCFA take their seats in the Blizzard Theatre.

Madison Curcio
ECCFA members walk out of the Blizzard theatre.

Madison Curcio
The Blizzard Theater is filled with the color blue–ECCFA’s unified shirts.

Madison Curcio
ECCFA members march into the Blizzard Theatre, holding signs and wearing matching blue t-shirts.

Madison Curcio

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About the Contributors

Shantel Lewis, Editor-in-Chief

This is Lewis’ second year at ECC majoring in Education. Lewis joined the Observer because of her love of writing, podcasting and having meaningful conversations. The Observer provides her opportunities to perfect my writing skills, connect with others, and public speaking. Lewis is interested in covering student life as well as what’s going on in the world. She hopes to achieve fluency in AP style writing and graduate with the skills of a remarkable journalist. Her motto is simple and one that she likes to live by and that’s being the change you want to see in the world, and shine bright while you’re doing it. Contact Information: [email protected]

Daniel Nachampassak, staff writer and editor-in-training

Nachampassak is entering his third year at ECC pursuing an Associate of Arts. He joined The Observer because he wants to learn how journalism works. but also it’s the stepping stone of getting more opportunities to work in professional spaces. The content Nachampassak is interested in are sports, mental health and improving the experience of ECC. Nachampassak is hoping to improve the quality of his stories but also be more consistent. He is also hoping to communicate with photographers more in this semester. His personal motto is “Focus on yourself and keep on moving.” Contact Information: [email protected]

Madison Curcio, staff photographer and Membership Coordinator

This is Curcio’s first year at ECC pursuing an associates in art and her first year serving in the Observer staff. Curcio joined because she wanted to bring attention to important topics through her photography. She covers nature and our impacts on it. Curcio hopes to cover important environmental issues, and photograph them in a way that makes them seem even more important. Her personal motto is to keep doing what you love, even if other people try to judge you for it. Contact Information: [email protected]