Settlement offer to be taken to a vote in early October. Details on vote will be available soon.

Strikers must return to work by their regular shift on Thursday, Sept 27. Strikers may return earlier if they wish. Strikers are not required to contact their supervisors before their return to work.

Watch this website and look for emails for further information of what happens next.

U of M AFSCME Goes Back To Work, Fight Continues

September 21, 2007

After 15 hours of mediation, the negotiating committee of University of Minnesota AFSCME has made the decision to take the University Administration's settlement offer to union members for a vote. The two-year contract offer contains a 2.25 percent cost of living increase for clerical and technical workers, a 2.5 percent cost of living increase for healthcare workers, plus steps and a $300 lump sum in each year. Workers who don't receive step increases will get an additional $300 in each year. This offer will go to members without recommendation from the negotiating committee.

We are forced back to work because we can no longer sustain the loss of salary and a looming end to our health care coverage. A typical striker earns $34,000 a years and qualifies for food stamps if supporting a family of four. We remain shocked by the administrations absolute disregard for people's lives," said Denise Osterholm, President of UMD Local 3801. This settlement is inadequate in that it does not account for the ever rising cost of food, gas and housing. Because of inflation, someone starting work under this contract will earn eight percent less than someone who started the job in 2003.

Barb Bezat, President of the Technical Local 3937 said, "The University should be ashamed that its workers can't afford to attend or send their kids to the University.

"This offer is unfair because it fails to keep up with inflation," said, Rhonda Jennen President of the healthcare workers. "The U is choosing to impoverish some of its workers. World class universities don't treat their workers like second class citizens" We have been met at every turn by an intransigent administration, led by President Robert Bruininks and Vice President and Provost E. Thomas Sullivan, who are committed to the idea that those who already have should have ever more while the have-nots are pushed further to the bottom. "While we have a great commitment to the University of Minnesota as an institution, we have been treated with disrespect and disregard by the current administration." said Bezat.

Phyllis Walker, Clerical Local 3800 President said, "We wish to thank the many thousands across the state who have given us support, including faculty, students, unions and community members. We are energized to build a world class union. We are confident that we will do that before the administration builds a world class University. Bruininks and Sullivan have an agenda of more money for the rich, more free research for corporations, and education only for the elite. Their agenda shuts working class Minnesotans out of the University."

Workday Minnesota put together this short video with interviews of legislators who allocated funds to the U for staff wages - including 3.25% PLUS steps for AFSCME workers. Check it out!

Here is some video footage from Day 1 of the U of M AFSCME strike, courtesy of Labor Education Service:

For Immediate Release:

University AFSCME Strike having big impact on campus. Thousands rallied at noon today in support.

For Friday, Sept 21, all picketing is suspended. The 10 am rally is also cancelled.

Do not report to work.

Strikers: Please come to a noon meeting of all strikers on Friday at Strike Headquarters for an update on what happened in mediation on Thursday.

U of M AFSCME will hold a press conference Monday, September 3, 2007 at 11:30 am.  The press conference will take place at Como Senior High School, 740 Rose Avenue in St. Paul immediately prior to the Labor Day Parade sponsored by the St. Paul Area Trades and Labor Assembly.

Press release to follow.

On Strike at the U of M 

JOIN OUR PICKET LINES - check in at Strike Headquarters (1219 University Ave SE) or at a picket location listed below starting at 7:00 am:

• West Bank: Humphrey Institute turnaround (19th Ave S & 3rd St S)
• East Bank / Med Area: Washington Ave & Union St
• East Bank / Dinkytown: University Ave & 15th Ave S
• St. Paul Campus: Student Center (2017 Buford off Raymond Ave)
• CUHCC Clinic (Franklin and Bloomington - parking lot)
• 29th and Como Ave (near Printing Services)
• Crookston - Main Campus Entrance
• Morris - Four main campus entrances
  

HONOR OUR PICKET LINES by not not entering U of M buildings during our strike. (unless you are legally or contractually required to do so)

RALLY OUTSIDE THE REGENTS MEETING TO GET THE UNIVERSITY TO SETTLE

Friday, September 7 - 11:00 am - McNamara Building (Washington & Oak) 

EMAIL U of M PRESIDENT BRUININKS at UPres@umn.edu

and demand that the U fairly settle AFSCME's contract

DONATE TO THE U WORKERS SUPPORT FUND

U.S. MAIL:  write your check to:

U Workers Support Fund at 1313 5th St SE #332-B, Minneapolis, MN 55414

or donate ON-LINE

ATTEND OUR FUNDRAISER on September 15 at 7 p.m. at the

Communication Workers of America, 3521 East Lake St, Minneapolis

CALL STRIKE HQ AT 612-378-3750 WITH QUESTIONS OR CALL THE STRIKE HOTLINE FOR UPDATES at 612-234-8772

And Please Visit:

U of M Community Support Committee's Web site

- How to take classes off campus
- How to support the workers, actions
- more . . . .

Attend a Community / Labor Strike Support Committee Meeting

Saturdays, 10am @ Strike Headquarters (University Baptist Church, 1219 University Ave SE, Minneapolis).  We are asking supporters on campus, in the community, and in the labor movement to help us win a contract that our members and our families can live with.

I prepare the faculty reimbursements.

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