NIU mechanics are hoping union representation will gain university attention in listening to their concerns.

On Aug. 26, NIU’s auto mechanics, motor vehicle and operator mechanics voted for union representation, said Bill Finucane, transportation department manager.

The ten civil service mechanics voted to have local Teamsters Union 330, 637 N. 11th St., represent them in university talks.

“When the mechanics first approached me, they were looking for negotiations to get them something concrete, something written in a contract instead of whatever will be will be,” said Mike Hruby, secretary and treasurer for local Teamsters Union 330.

“They (mechanics) want us to deal with working conditions as well as wage increases,” he said.

The wages these mechanics are receiving are not anything near what Chicago-area university mechanics are making, Hruby said.

“At this point, we have not begun any talks with the union, but we have provided them with information about the procedures they will need to follow in order to begin negotiations,” said Gary Smith, NIU personnel officer.

“We are going to begin very shortly. We are currently working out proposals and will be meeting with the NIU labor relations manager soon,” Hruby said.

Smith said he was not sure if the union was going to negotiate pay raises, and reconfirmed NIU’s stance that there is no money to make raises available.