University workers accept contract

After receiving the university\’s offer, AFSCME members ended their 13-day strike for economic justice and returned to work by Sept. 27.

The union negotiating committee found the wage offer inadequate because it fails to keep up with inflation, AFSCME said. 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 Oct. 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, the union said. 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 represents 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.

For more information
Visit the Workday Minnesota special section on the U of M strike