Support University of Minnesota strikers!

Send a message to U of M

Pres. Robert Bruininks!

Clerical workers at the University of Minnesota (AFSCME Local 3800 and 3801) have been on strike for 9 days against cuts in pay and health care. They need our support.

You can help right now:

Click below to send a message to University President Robert Bruininks and tell him that the University should return to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract with the clerical workers now.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: I support AFSCME clerical workers

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I support AFSCME clerical workers in their fight for a fair contract without pay cuts or health care take-backs. I support their fight for seniority protection language.

It is simply wrong that the University is targeting the lowest-paid workers for cuts while protecting high-paid administrators.

I urge the University Administration to immediately return to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract with AFSCME Locals 3800 and 3801. As leader of the University, it is your responsibility to settle this strike now.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
October 29, 2003

Background Information

Clerical workers are the lowest-paid workers at the University. The AFSCME membership is 93% women. Many are heads of households who are forced to work two or three jobs to take care of their families, because of the low wages at the U of M.

Now the University wants to take away step pay and cut back on health care benefits. The University is arguing that the cuts are necessary because the Legislature reduced the budget. Yet while pleading poverty, the University Administration has found money for increased numbers of very highly-paid administrators. In the last three years, the University has increased the amount spent for top administrators by over $5.5 million dollars –- a 36% increase. Sixty of the University’s top administrators make more money than the Governor!

The University is also refusing to agree to contract language for seniority protection in case of layoffs. Presently, the University is allowed to layoff workers with many years of service, while at the same time hiring temps. If the same worker is re-called, the University can force them to start all over again at the bottom of the pay scale. AFSCME is demanding seniority protection language in the contract.

Many AFSCME unions across the state are also involved in difficult negotiations. Workers and employers all across the state are watching the University workers’ strike to see who wins, the workers or the employer.

Public and private employers in Minnesota are looking to see if the University administration will succeed in imposing their take-back demands, or if the strikers will win. If the strikers are defeated, other employers will be encouraged to demand even greater take-backs from their union workers. If the strikers win, it will send a message to employers that workers should be treated with more respect.

Act now to support the University clerical workers, and let your co-workers and friends know about this important campaign.