U of M Labor and Community Strike Support Committee

September 12,2007

President Bruininks
University of Minnesota
202 Morrill Hall
0262
100 Church St SE
Minneapolis MN 55455

Dear President Bruininks:

I strongly support a very important part of the University of Minnesota staff-the clerical, health care, and technical employees who are asking for a raise to keep up with the cost of living. These workers deserve a COLA and it should come above and beyond their step increases.

ln the past session, the Legislature increased the University's budget by 12%. This increase was intended in part to allow for a COLA to keep up with inflation.

Please return to the bargaining table at the earliest opportunity and arrive at a fair and just settlement that will allow these workers to keep pace with inflation and retain a high quality workforce at the University of Minnesota.

Sincerely,

Bernie Lieder
State Representative
District 1B