AFSCME did this by relentlessly demonstrating, rallying, engaging in political lobbying, and working in coalition with other unions, student groups, community partners.

They fought hard. They fought with heart and soul. They stuck together, they never gave up, they were loud and aggressive and now, they are announcing what they say is one of the best contracts they’ve ever won.

Here are some highlights:

• In a five year contract, the following wages are guaranteed: Year 1 is 4%; Year 2 is 3%; Year 3 is 3%. Years 4 and 5 are 3% each, but not guaranteed. In exchange, AFSCME will retain the right to strike, during the contract, which is amazing, if the University doesn’t come through with the money.
• Workers will move through the salary steps on an annual basis.
• Future contributions to UCRP will be the same that the patient care part of their union negotiates. Guaranteed no reduction in take-home pay. Instead, when the University contributions to UCRP resume, AFSCME workers will re-direct the 2% DCP contribution to the UCRP.
• There will be a 12% cap on healthcare increases over any 2 year period, starting with 2008. This is truly amazing, considering healthcare premiums have increased as much as 23%.
• Parking rate increases will be capped, varied by campus, but most increases will be capped at $5-$10 per month.

This settlement is an indication of what CUE could win if we fight. Come to the next Chancellor’s Brown Bag Forum and tell Mr. Blumenthal that we’re ready to fight for ourselves: Tuesday, February 10, noon-1pm, Kresge Town Hall.