Saying the lowest-paid employees are bearing the highest burden from budget cuts, University of Minnesota clerical workers protested outside a Board of Regents meeting.
The rally Friday at the University's Gateway Center was organized by AFSCME Local 3800, which represents clerical workers. The union, which struck last fall against proposed cuts in health care, said many of its members now face layoffs and an uncertain future.
"The U has prioritized chasing dollars for stadiums, and has dramatically increased administrative positions and salaries," the union said in a statement. At the same time, lower paid workers are losing their jobs.
Some participants in the rally wore bags over their heads to dramatize the fact that some long-time university workers have "bumped" to other positions after layoff, only to face probationary periods in their new jobs. The union said the practice is unfair and fails to recognize the workers' experience and seniority.
 |
University clerical workers and supporters rallied outside a Board of Regents meeting Friday. Photos by Tony DeAngelis, Labor Education Service |
 |
| As AFSCME Business Representative Gladys McKenzie addressed the group, employees with bags over their heads dramatized job insecurity at the university. |
 |
For more information
Visit the AFSCME Local 3800 website, www.afscme3800.org
Saying the lowest-paid employees are bearing the highest burden from budget cuts, University of Minnesota clerical workers protested outside a Board of Regents meeting.
The rally Friday at the University’s Gateway Center was organized by AFSCME Local 3800, which represents clerical workers. The union, which struck last fall against proposed cuts in health care, said many of its members now face layoffs and an uncertain future.
“The U has prioritized chasing dollars for stadiums, and has dramatically increased administrative positions and salaries,” the union said in a statement. At the same time, lower paid workers are losing their jobs.
Some participants in the rally wore bags over their heads to dramatize the fact that some long-time university workers have “bumped” to other positions after layoff, only to face probationary periods in their new jobs. The union said the practice is unfair and fails to recognize the workers’ experience and seniority.
|
University clerical workers and supporters rallied outside a Board of Regents meeting Friday. Photos by Tony DeAngelis, Labor Education Service |
| As AFSCME Business Representative Gladys McKenzie addressed the group, employees with bags over their heads dramatized job insecurity at the university. |
For more information
Visit the AFSCME Local 3800 website, www.afscme3800.org