union workers credit
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With 80 percent approval, AFSCME members have voted to accept the University of Minnesota's contract offer for 2007-2009. That means clerical, health care and technical workers will not return to the picket line this fall.
After receiving the University's offer, AFSCME members ended their 13-day strike for economic justice and returned to work by September 27.
The union negotiating committee found the wage offer inadequate because it fails to keep up with inflation. For that reason, the committee made no recommendation on how members should vote on the contract offer. Last week 3,150 AFSCME members had the opportunity to vote by mail ballot. Voters had two choices: to accept the contract, or to reject it and strike. Ballots were counted October 15.
The two-year contract includes a 2.25 percent cost of living increase for clerical and technical workers, a 2.5 percent cost of living increase for health care workers, plus steps to reward longevity and a $300 lump sum in each year. Workers who don't receive step increases will get an additional $300 in each year. The union's summary of the contract is posted at www.afscmemn.org. Go to Bargaining Updates and click on U of M.
A typical U of M AFSCME worker earns $34,000 a year and qualifies for food stamps if supporting a family of four. That worker will earn $1,065 more next year with the new contract. The raise won't cover the rising cost of food, gas and housing. Due to inflation, someone starting work under the new contract will earn 8 percent less than someone who started the job in 2003.
"Workers approved this contract for the same reason we were forced back to work," explained Denise Osterholm, president of UMD Local 3801. "We're struggling to afford food, gas and housing. We can't sustain a further loss of wages,"
"The University should be ashamed that its workers can't afford to attend or send their kids to the University," said Barb Bezat, president of Technical Local 3937.
"Morale has tanked and it's time for the Bruininks administration to recognize that world class universities don't treat their workers like second class citizens," said Rhonda Jennen, president of Health Care Local 3260.
"We're energized to build a world class union and a world class university, which welcomes Minnesota's working class, treats us with respect, and helps us prosper," said Phyllis Walker, president of Clerical Local 3800.
All four of the local union presidents have vowed to continue their struggle for economic justice.
AFSCME Council 5 provides one strong united voice for 43,000 public and non-profit workers in Minnesota, including 3,150 health care, technical and clerical workers at five University of Minnesota campuses in the Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris and Rochester.
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Dear University community member,
In light of the AFSCME strike at the University of Minnesota, many faculty and staff members have mixed feelings about contributing to the University's 2007 Community Fund Drive. In an Oct. 4 e-mail to colleagues, a faculty member in the Department of Theater Arts and Dance wondered if "perhaps the President (Bruininks) will see the irony of asking his employees to support charity causes that they may well have to resort to using, due to the inadequacy of the University's compensation for their work." Realizing this dilemma, rank-and-file union members did their homework and found an alternative so faculty and staff may voice their disapproval of the University of Minnesota administration yet still contribute to community organizations that serve people in need.
YOU can make a difference in these ways:
FIRST: Instead of contributing to Community Fund Drive organizations via the University of Minnesota, donate DIRECTLY to your chosen organization. Click here for instructions .
SECOND: support the AFSCME strike and its members by making a contribution to the U Workers strike fund by visiting http://www.uworkers.org. Dollars raised are available to union members through an application process to assist with paying bills in lieu of wages lost due to the strike. Remember from Ryan Mattke's October 3rd letter to the editor of the Minnesota Daily ( http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/10/03/72163631): the University says 1/3 of union members struck (more than 1,000 brave people), the average union member makes $17.04 per hour, and the strike lasted for 13 working days. That means on average each union member gave up $1,772 in wages. Please consider a contribution to the U Workers strike fund.
Thank you for your consideration and for your commitment to economic justice for all!
Sincerely,
(Your Name Here)
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Start: Oct 9 2007 - 5:00pmTimezone: Etc/GMT
Tuesday, 5:00 at Walter Library, Room 101
Please join us for this meeting to continue the struggle for a decent wage and respect at the U of M. Bring your ideas and enthusiasm!
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http://www.unitedwaytwincities.org/communityinfo/211.cfm
This is 211 which is the old First Call for Help. People can get financial
support for rent/mortgage and other necessities.
Just dial 2-1-1
Call United Way 2-1-1 and get connected with trained information specialists
and volunteers. It's free, confidential and available 24/7. Cell phone users
can call 651-291-0211. Visit the online version at United Way 2-1-1™/Twin Cities Beehive.
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Applications will be accepted with a post date no later than Thursday October 4th.
Mail Applications to:
Mutual Support Committee
c/o AFSCME Local 3800/3937
1313 5th Street SE 332-B
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Please note:
We ask that people are patient with the Committee. We have received an overwhelming amount of applications, and we are dealing with extremely limited and fluctuating funds. We want to have a process that is fair and respectful to everyone.