In July UC Berkeley was given a $2.5 MILION budget increase directly from the state government in order to raise custodial wages - but they have done nothing to pass these wages along to the janitorial staff, forcing many of them to take on multiple jobs just to keep their families alive. The demands for pay equity being made by the custodial workers' union, AFSCME 3299, would cost the administration $2¼ million in total, leaving an extra $¼ million for administrators to use as they wish!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

The University of California, Berkeley, has always stood out as a leader in academia and in the arena of human rights and social justice. The University has a proud tradition as a local proponent of community education, improvement, and equity, yet workers on this very campus have long been denied their dignity and respect. Currently many University custodians do not earn enough to support themselves, let alone their families, and are forced to work multiple jobs in order to accommodate for the University's neglect. Custodians under the organization of local union AFSCME 3299 supported by many University students and faculty, have spoken out against the University's injustice, holding actions throughout the previous academic year. As their struggle has thus far been ignored, the workers have been forced to continue their public protest throughout the summer and current school year. Recently, on September 14, the workers supported by UC students submitted applications for the position of Vice Chancellor for Equity, as they alone have experienced the full meaning of equity, or, in their case, inequity. We hope that the Administration will seriously consider all of the applicants, as Debra Harrington promised you would. As of yet, the University has virtually ignored the workers' claim to fair treatment, citing their struggle as a mere "concern" that would be dealt with in time. For the workers however, this issue is a grave matter that can not wait any longer. AFSCME Local 3299, our organization and countless other students, faculty and community members expect the University of California, Berkeley, administration to demonstrate common decency in their employment practices and agree to the specific demands laid forward by the university custodians as follows: Years of Service Hourly Wage 0 - 5 $15 6 - 10 $16 11 - 15 $17 16+ $18 Workers and their support are appalled with the current lack of a fair living wage especially when compared with surrounding colleges that are also state-funded. A custodian who has been at UC Berkeley for five years makes only $12 per hour, while a custodian who has worked the same amount of time, doing almost the exact same duties, at Peralta Community College makes $18 per hour. We realize that this matter will require financial and organizational energy on the part of the administration, but it is quite clear that the University has the financial means to accommodate these seemingly minute demands. We look forward to your implementation.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
October 18, 2006