During the weeks since Governor Bredesen released his budget which contained only a 1% raise and 2% bonus for higher education employees, United Campus Workers – Communications Workers of America has been busy at work. Our members have made phone calls, sent post cards, and nearly 3 dozen UT employees took vacation time to bring our message directly to Nashville. 

But these efforts are only the beginning of what we need to do to reverse this negative budget proposal. Over the next several weeks we must continue to pressure our State Representatives and Senators to give higher education employees a fair raise. Our call for a 5% raise is consistent with what UT President Petersen has requested, though our proposal calls for a floor of $1500.

Last year Senator Jamie Woodson worked to appropriate tens of millions in new dollars for our state colleges and universities. As chair of the Senate Education Committee she is in a position to push for fair raises that meet our needs. Please take a moment to send Senator Woodson a message encouraging her to fight for the staff and faculty that make UT and the Board of Regents schools run. Take a moment to encourage her to work for a fair raise of 5% or $1500! 

In this email is an easy program that allows you to click and send her a letter-  a form one is attached, but we encourage you to use your own personal thoughts and experiences to make the letter your own!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Dear Senator Woodson:

Last year UT staff only received a 2% raise, while most faculty received 1%. President Petersen's proposal of 5% would go a long way to reversing past years of minimal pay increases, but only if it is across the board and includes a $1500 minimum.

Please support this proposal and fight to ensure that all UT employees receive a decent pay raise this year!

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
March 23, 2007