5/22/2008

AFSCME STRIKE VOTE

AFSCME Local 3299 is right on the edge of voting to authorize a strike against the University of California. Mediation and fact-finding is complete and impasse has been declared. The University refuses to give AFSCME workers much needed raises (just like us!), annual step increases (we need them too!), guaranteed parking rates (CUE has received notice of an increase) and protection from increased employee costs for health insurance.

AFSCME will start counting its strike ballots on Thursday May 22, in the evening. They are expected to approve a strike overwhelmingly. On Friday May 23, noon, at the Baytree Bookstore, AFSCME will hold a press conference to announce the ballot results.CUE workers and activists are encouraged to attend the press conference.

Some things you should know if AFSCME goes on strike:
  • Every CUE worker has the Constitutional right to honor the picket line as an individual. Each CUE worker must make up their own mind about how best to respect AFSCME’s struggle.
  • CUE is interested in putting together a group of workers to talk about other ways to support AFSCME and by doing that, prepare for our own contract fight in late summer. (We’re at the bargaining table now with the University.)CUE has established a Contract Action Committee to talk about that. Call the Union office at 831.420.0258 to join that committee.
Some things you can do to support your AFSCME co-workers:
  • Wear the AFSCME green to work.
  • Wear an AFSCME button to work.
  • Put a sign in your workplace that says: Another CUE member supporting AFSCME!
  • Send a letter to Chancellor Blumenthal asking that he support your co-workers by telling the University’s bargaining committee to settle a fair contract with AFSCME now.