Big Raise for U. of Minn. Prez, Crumbs for Workers; Strike Nears Second Week

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2007/09/11/big-raise-for-u-of-minn-prez-crumbs-for-workers-strike-nears-second-week/

by Mike Hall, Sep 11, 2007

Some, 3,500 clerical, technical and health care workers at campuses across the University of Minnesota system are in the seventh day of a strike that is winning strong support from students, other unions and state legislators.




The walkout by members of five AFSCME locals began Sept. 5 when university administrators refused to meet the workers’ demands for pay raises to keep pace with inflation. Union members say the university’s wage offer is unfair, given the growing gap between salaries for clerical, technical and health care workers and top university administrators.

Workday Minnesota reports that state Reps. Tom Rukavina and Mary Murphy, chairs of two key Minnesota House higher education committees, scolded University President Robert Bruininks and the school’s board of regents for their refusal meet the wage demands. In their letter, the pair wrote:

We are deeply disappointed that thousands of university employees have been forced onto the picket lines due to the unwillingness of the university administration to provide adequate contact settlements for its clerical, technical and health care workers.

For the first time in many years, the Minnesota legislature provided the university with a generous 3.25 percent salary supplement. We expected those funds to be used to benefit all university employees. We can’t understand how you can justify your minuscule offer of 2.25 percent on the salary schedule for your hardworking, dedicated employees.

FULL story at link.

[Demeter]

1. Shout Out to Rebecca and Her Cohorts!

Still Reading Salazar's Orphans; when you get back, hope that Suddenly Severus is complete!