Union at U plans noon rally to speak about contract

Article by: Tim Harlow , Star Tribune
Updated: August 30, 2007 - 9:58 AM

Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union will hold a rally at noon today to gain support for their attempts to gain a fair contract and call negotiators for the University of Minnesota back to the bargaining table.

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Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union will hold a rally at noon today in an effort to gain support for their attempts to get a contract and get negotiators for the University of Minnesota back to the bargaining table.

The union representing 3,500 technical, clerical and health care workers on the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses filed an intent to strike notice Aug. 24 after members rejected the universitys latest offer.

The union members have set a strike date of Sept. 5, one day after classes are scheduled to begin.

The union says that the universitys offer of pay raises of 2.25 percent for clerical and technical employees, and 2.5 percent for health care employees, doesnt keep up with inflation and is a harmful assault on their standard of living, according to information posted on AFSCMEs Council 5 website.

The University of Minnesota on Aug. 24 released a statement after the union rejected its latest offer and indicated members would go on strike. The University of Minnesota is disappointed that AFSCME has voted to reject our contract offer and possibly strike. The university is ready and willing to continue negotiations with AFSCME to avert a strike.

No new talks have been scheduled.

Barb Bezat, president of AFSCME Local 3937, Gary Schiff, Minneapolis City Council member, Sens. Patricia Torres Rey, (DFL) and Sandy Pappas (DFL), Phyllis Walker, president of AFSCME Local 3800, and students, faculty members and others will speak during the rally.

The rally will be held at Northrop Mall on the university campus.

Tim Harlow • harlow@startribune.com