U of M Labor and Community Strike Support Committee

The UMCCC community – the teachers, staff, parents, and children – are deeply feeling the effects of the University administration’s refusal to properly compensate ASFCME workers with funds the legislature has earmarked for this purpose. Nine of the 25 AFSCME employees at UMCCC are presently on strike. Staff who remain at the center continue to provide excellent care, but under difficult conditions. One teacher who had been on maternity leave has been called back to work. Many parents have considered bringing in their children for shorter days or keeping them home whenever possible in order to alleviate pressure on UMCCC teachers and staff. But this is not an option for many of us if we wish to continue to do the university's work.

I urge you to do what you can to negotiate a fair settlement with these workers. I think everyone can agree that we need to retain a high quality workforce at the University of Minnesota.

Letter of protest sent to President Bruininks from SUTTEL, the telecommunications workers union.

A message of solidarity from El Salvador.

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!

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.

In view of the fact that the Legislature increased funding for the University by 12% during the 2007 session, it would seem the U ought to be in a position to present a package to these employees that resolves this dispute quickly and fairly.

We, the students, staff, and faculty of Macalester College, support
the workers at the University of Minnesota in their efforts to obtain
a real living wage.

Our Parish supports the just demands of the AFSCME Strikers. As taxpayers and Christians, we oppose any attempt to solve the fiscal difficulties of our public institutions by reducing the already meager compensation of our workers. For ultimately, the University workers are our employees. We will not stand for their mistreatment. We have made our worship space next to Strike Headquarters available to the Strike effort, and our members are volunteering in support roles.