Elgin Community College faculty have given themselves the option of going on strike in 10 days.

The 500-member ECC Faculty Association filed notice today with the Illinois Education Labor Relations Board about a possible strike. While the union cannot strike if it hasn’t given notice, it’s not under any obligation to strike after the 10 days and its spokesman, Gary Christenson, says he still hopes differences with trustees can be worked out.

“I’ve been here at the college long enough to see these things happen in the last hour, so it’s not unheard of,” he said. “So I really hope that happens this time too. It’s a matter of making arrangements should the worst be necessary.”

He declined to say how quickly the union might go on strike after the 10 days.

Eleanor MacKinney, chair of the board of trustees, said she is “very saddened and disappointed” the union has filed the strike notice and is concerned about the effect a work stoppage could have on students.

“They have goals and dreams and they’re trying to finish at ECC,” she said. “Many are going on to four-year institutions or have jobs waiting.”

Trustees and union members began negotiating in October to replace a contract that expired Dec. 31. They began mediation on March 10.

Faculty members are being paid under the old contract and are working to rule, which means they perform only the minimum duties that document requires.

The next mediation session is scheduled for April 13.