Were the backbone of the university: UI students, service workers react to day one of strikes [Video]

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — On Monday morning, several union employees started striking across the University of Illinois campus. They want to see higher wages and more respect so they can go back to serving the community.

“We’re very frustrated. We don’t feel that they have our backs,” Mary Mathiews, an employee with Facilities and Services, said.

Last week, negotiations between Building and Food Service employees and the university failed. Now, mediations continue between the U of I and SEIU Local 73.

“I’ve been on campus for 13 years,” Melody Decker, the SEIU President, said. “It’s like they don’t respect what we do.”

At the end of the day, this doesn’t only impact the 763 members of the union, students feel the impacts as well. Some are already noticing the effects of fewer employees keeping the buildings afloat.

“When I finished up my meal, I noticed huge lines,” Ryan Pegler, a U …