Greetings,

University of California Irvine just gave layoff notices to 46 families that are some of the lowest paid workers in the University System, sending them back to poverty.

By reducing maintenance and groundskeeping services that affect student health and safety, UC Excutives are putting students and staff in jeopardy.

Clearly the University has the resources to continue these services without compromising student health and safety, and without sending families into poverty.

AFSCME has presented UC with a list of budget alternatives which do not compromise the University's ability to carry out its mission.

UCI should follow its stated values of respect, integrity, commitment, empathy, and appreciation to serve the families in its community and its UC constituents by:

1) Rescinding all layoffs for all UCI workers that have received notices and reinstating them immediately.

2) Accepting AFSCMEs budget alternative recommendations, which do not compromise the integrity of the University.

Send a message to UCI Chancellor Drake and his Administration now, letting them know you oppose balancing the budget on the backs of students and the lowest paid UC workers!

Subject: Stop Groundskeeping and Maintenance Layoffs NOW!

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

On Tuesday, August 25, 2009, workers delivered a letter to your office demanding that you cease and desist from layoffs for grounds and custodial workers.

We urged that the University look at other alternatives to the layoffs, including the budget alternatives AFSCME has presented, and not put in jeopardy the health and safety of students, the campus community and its visitors.

To this day, we have not received a response from you regarding this urgent matter.

UCI is showing a lack of commitment to its students, and the community that runs this university.

By giving layoff notices to 11 Facilities Management-Grounds workers and 35 ABM custodial workers, UC is laying off 46 families that are some of the lowest paid in the state, sending them back to poverty.

How much money will the University really be saving by laying off these working families that will be faced with paying the rent or feeding their child?

University of California Irvine needs to take this opportunity to follow its values of respect, integrity, commitment, empathy, and appreciation to serve the families in its community and its UC constituents.

Act now and rescind layoffs for every UCI worker that has received a notice and reinstate them immediately and look at other alternatives to layoffs.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]