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Strike Information Strike FAQ | Financial Prep & Resources

Mutual Support Assistance Requests

Deadline for submission ended October 4th.

Please note:

We ask that people are patient with the Committee. We have received an overwhelming amount of applications, and we are dealing with extremely limited and fluctuating funds. We want to have a process that is fair and respectful to everyone.

Due to the volume of requests we have not been able to make the number of follow-up calls that we would have wanted. We are working on correcting that, and those that submitted requests should hear from us soon. Please be patient.

We also ask that people communicate to their creditors that you were on strike, and to ask them for a grace period, to wave late fees, or provide a payment plan. At this point the Committee is not able to make deadlines, and most creditors understand that - if there is communication. Those that are especially concerned with their 'credit rating' should be making these calls.

Thank you-

Mutual Support

Strike is Over

September 21, 2007

Settlement offer to be taken to a vote in early October.

Strikers must return to work by their regular shift on Thusday, Sept 27. Strikers may return earlier if they wish. Strikers are not required to contact their supervisors before their return to work.

Watch this website and look for emails for further information of what happens next.

U of M AFSCME Goes Back To Work, Fight Continues

September 21, 2007

After 15 hours of mediation, the negotiating committee of University of Minnesota AFSCME has made the decision to take the University Administration's settlement offer to union members for a vote.

The two-year contract offer contains a 2.25 percent cost of living increase for clerical and technical workers, a 2.5 percent cost of living increase for healthcare workers, plus steps and a $300 lump sum in each year. Workers who don't receive step increases will get an additional $300 in each year. This offer will go to members without recommendation from the negotiating committee.

We are forced back to work because we can no longer sustain the loss of salary and a looming end to our health care coverage. A typical striker earns $34,000 a years and qualifies for food stamps if supporting a family of four. We remain shocked by the administrations absolute disregard for people's lives," said Denise Osterholm, President of UMD Local 3801.

This settlement is inadequate in that it does not account for the ever rising cost of food, gas and housing. Because of inflation, someone starting work under this contract will earn eight percent less than someone who started the job in 2003.

Barb Bezat, President of the Technical Local 3937 said, "The University should be ashamed that its workers can't afford to attend or send their kids to the University.

"This offer is unfair because it fails to keep up with inflation," said, Rhonda Jennen President of the healthcare workers. "The U is choosing to impoverish some of its workers. World class universities don't treat their workers like second class citizens"'

We have been met at every turn by an intransigent administration, led by President Robert Bruininks and Vice President and Provost E. Thomas Sullivan, who are committed to the idea that those who already have should have ever more while the have-nots are pushed further to the bottom.

"While we have a great commitment to the University of Minnesota as an institution, we have been treated with disrespect and disregard by the current administration." said Bezat.

Phyllis Walker, Clerical Local 3800 President said, "We wish to thank the many thousands across the state who have given us support, including faculty, students, unions and community members. We are energized to build a world class union. We are confident that we will do that before the administration builds a world class University. Bruininks and Sullivan have
an agenda of more money for the rich, more free research for corporations, and education only for the elite. Their agenda shuts working class Minnesotans out of the University."

We're Still on Strike

On Friday, Septmeber 14, the Negotiations team was called backed to mediation for a "Settlement of Strike" by the U administration. This offer was unaccepable, and was rejected. We are still on strike.

University Administration delivers unacceptable offer to striking AFSCME Workers

On Friday, September 14, the U of M AFSCME negotiating committee received a paper proposal from the university administration. Barb Bezat, President of AFSCME 3937 said, "The offer represented no additional money for the cost of living increase, remaining unchanged at 2.25% for clerical and technical workers and 2.5% for health care workers. The offer which does not differ significantly from the last proposal by the University, included a $300.00 lump sum for everyone and a conditional offer of a $300.00 lump sum in each year for people at the top of the range." Gladys McKenzie, the Union's Chief Negotiator called the Mediator late Friday afternoon saying "The offer is unacceptable."

Cheryl Schrader said, "A $300.00 lump sum turns into $175.00 after taxes. When that money is not part of the cost of living increase it does nothing to help me keep up with inflation over time." Nancy Wiswell added, "The University has now put a sum on the table nearly equal to what it would take to give us the entire 3.25% increase allocated by the legislature. Their refusal to use the state allocation the way it was intended is inexplicable.

Hundreds of strikers overflowed the church sanctuary at the strike headquarters to discuss plans moving forward. Organizers reported that a student group unrelated to AFSCME is planning to begin a hunger strike Monday at 12pm to show support for University Workers which will begin with a press conference on the Northrop Mall.

Strike Enters Week Two

Picket Lines Still Strong and Support Growing

As we enter the second week of the strike, it's important to keep the picket lines strong to keep the pressure on the U and magnify the impact of the strike. See below for how you can support the strike. Questions? Call Strike HQ at 612-378-3750 or the Strike Hotline at 612-234-8772.

We're on Strike

Our union negotiating committee negotiated with management until almost midnight Tuesday night, trying to negotiate a settlement to avert a strike. Unfortunately, management still wouldn't change their across-the-board wage proposals -- 2.25% across-the-boards for clerical and technical workers, and 2.5% across-the-boards for health care workers. They would only talk about the possibility of one-time lump sums that would not add to our base salary to help us keep up with inflation. This is just days after the U negotiated a 3% across-the-board increase plus steps for Teamster workers. We know they have the money. They are making us fight for it. We are on strike.

Picketing begins each day at 7:00 am at these locations:

West Bank: Humphrey Institute turn-around (19th Ave. S & 3rd St. S)
East Bank / Med Area: Washington Ave. & Union St. (near Moos Tower)
East Bank / Dinkytown: Donhowe Building (University Ave & 15th.)
St. Paul Campus: St Paul Student Center (2017 Buford, off Raymond Ave.)
CUHCC: parking lot at Franklin & Bloomington
29th and Como Ave (near Printing Services)

Every one of us has a stake in this. It’s an economic and moral obligation to be on the picket line if a strike is called. It takes courage to initiate change. That’s what our strike is about. Everyone deserves to make economic progress.

People who are Picketing:

If you haven't officially signed up yet, email s.m.sherman@comcast.net
OR JasonIversen3937@yahoo.com - include a non-U email address if you have one.

After-work picketing with our supporters, M-F, 5pm-7pm:

East Bank / Med Area: Washington Ave. & Union St. (near Moos Tower)
East Bank / Dinkytown: Donhowe Building (University Ave & 15th.)

What to bring with you on the picket line:

Bring only what you really need - Whatever you bring needs to stay with you during your entire shift.

comfortable shoes - concrete is hard on the feet and you will be walking alot.
comfortable clothing - pockets will be handy for holding your stuff.
NO PURSES (unless you can carry it crosswise on your body) You need to keep both hands free to hold picket signs, hand out flyers etc. Fanny packs or backpacks will work (but keep it light).
cash
cell phone
water bottle
medications
ID cards, Medical Cards, etc.
tissues
small rain poncho - you want to keep your hands free - so umbrellas are not a good choice.
gloves in case weather turns chilly (small knit ones work)

Try to limit how much fluids you drink

Bathrooms may not be convenient. Because we we will not be able to enter University buildings during the strike, we will need to use local businesses' facilities, and we don’t want to abuse their kindness.

All Hands On Deck!
Pick a Committee to Join - you are needed now!

In order for our strike to sustain itself and build support, we urge each and every member to be involved in some way. We understand some of us may need to work part-time or temporary jobs during the strike, but we also encourage you to stay involved and connected to your fellow strikers by doing your part.

We have created a list of important tasks we need to be done for our strike to be successful. The follow list is composed of the Strike Committees and their respective co-ordinators.

Please contact the member co-ordinators with your non-University email if possible.

Strike Committees and Coordinators:

Picket Committee: Strategize and plan strike picket locations, train pickets, etc.
Coordinator- Sandi Sherman - s.m.sherman@comcast.net

Mutual Support: Manages strike fund for members seeking financial help during strike
- Kelly Ahern - kmanegots@yahoo.com

Internal Communications: Directs and maintains information to members via non-U email, websites, Strike Hot-line and telephoning.
- Krista Gallagher - krista.gallagher@gmail.com
- Brad Sigal - bradsigal@gmail.com

Headquarters: Help maintain strike Headquarters, answer phones, keeps Strike computer network functioning, random tasks, etc.
- Erika Zurawski - erika.zurawski@gmail.com

Kitchen: Every army travels on its stomach and the kitchen helps keep picketers and volunteers fed. Also helps setup the food shelf. If you are talented in the kitchen, you will be very popular amongst your fellow strikers.
- Matty Strickler - gnosis_osmosis@yahoo.com

Community Support: building our relationships with communities, labor unions, volunteers, fundraising, community outreach, etc.
- Cherrene Horazuk - cherrene@afscme3800.org

Volunteers: helps coordinates at-large volunteers of members and non-members who are willing to help the strike in any way they can.
- Rhonda Jennen - rhonda.jennen@gmail.com

Financial Preparation and Resources

U Workers Support Fund

U of M AFSCME has set up a mutual support fund. Donations have been and will be taken from unions, from the larger community and from on-campus supporters.

Mutual Support Assistance Request Form (PDF)

Strike Mutual Support Committee

U of M AFSCME has also set up a Mutual Support Committee which is responsible for mobilizing the additional resources of the Union and the community to meet the health and welfare needs of strikers and their families. In addition to the U Workers Support Fund, there are agencies both governmental and voluntary in the community that can provide assistance. Identifiying these agencies, determining eligibility requirements, and developing a referral service are among the key responsibilities of the Committee.

Financial Preparation: Don't delay - do it today

The following recommendations are made to help everyone prepare for the possibility of a strike to resolve our contract negotiations. Advance preparations will help minimize financial adversity during the strike. You can help yourself and the U of M AFSCME Mutual Support Committee by taking the following actions:

Notifiy you bank, building and loan association, or whoever holds a mortgage on your property of the possibility of a strike. Many of the companies have policies or procedures that may make postponement or reduction of payments during the strike possible without adversely affecting your credit. Find out what their policies are. We suggest you make this notification whith a personal visit or phone call with the responsible people holding the mortgage. Please let us know what you find out - it may help someone else. Once the strike starts, if you are unable to make mortgage payments, request a postponement of payments until the strike is over.
If you rent, contact your landlord and inform them of the possibility of a strike. Again, once a strike starts, if you are not able to pay the rent, ask for a postponement until the successful conclusion of the strike.
Notify all utilities (phone, gas, electric, water, cable) of the possibilitiy of a strike.
Notify any companies where you are making payments for automobiles, furniture, department store or loan companies of the possibility of a strike and find out what the policies are. Once the strike starts, if you are unable to make payments, you should give norification that you are on strike and request a moratorium on your accounts until the strike is settled.

Contact information:

U of M AFSCME Mutual Support Committee
mutualsupport@afscme3800.org
Strike Headquarters: 1219 University Avenue, (612) 331-6420
Strike Update Hotline (612) 379-3918

Financial Support from the Greater Twin Cities United Way

http://www.unitedwaytwincities.org/communityinfo/211.cfm
This is 211 which is the old First Call for Help. People can get financial support for rent/mortgage and other necessities.

Just dial 2-1-1

Call United Way 2-1-1 and get connected with trained information specialists and volunteers. It's free, confidential and available 24/7. Cell phone users can call 651-291-0211. Visit the online version at United Way 2-1-1™/Twin Cities Beehive

Frequently Asked Questions about Striking (download PDF)

Insurance issues:

Will I lose my health insurance if I go on strike?

Your health coverage will continue as long as you work one day in a pay period. This has been taken into account in developing the strike plan. Monday, September 3rd is the first day of the pay period. You would be covered for that pay period, and you would need to work one day in the next pay period in order to have the entire month covered. We are suggesting that this could be the last day, Friday, September 28th. It is highly unlikely that the strike would last that long.

How are Retirement/FICA contributions affected during a strike?

The strike will count as non-work time. No taxes will be paid, nor earnings reported, on time spent out on strike.

I have a surgery scheduled. What if we’re on strike?

The Employer cannot rescind your rights under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The Employer may require medical certification, in keeping with the FMLA.

Strike/Picket issues:

Can I be fired for striking?

Legal strikes are protected by the Minnesota Public Employee Labor Relations Act (MPELRA). Your right to strike is guaranteed by law. If your supervisor threatens you in any way, contact the union office and we will take action.

Can I be permanently replaced?

No. Unlike the private sector, striking public employees cannot be permanently replaced. Under Minnesota Statute 179A (PELRA,) an employer cannot “grant the status of permanent replacement employee to a person for performing bargaining unit work for the employer…during a strike authorized by an employee organization that is an exclusive representative.”

What should I do if my supervisor threatens me about striking?

It is illegal for your supervisor to threaten you about striking or to suggest that you will lose your job by striking. If they do so, please contact the union office so we can take action against them.

If I am on probation should I strike? Will I get fired if I do?

Probationary employees have the right to strike. It is unlawful for the Employer to terminate any employee for exercising their legal right to strike. If you would like to discuss your situation, call the union office.

My supervisor says that I do "critical work" and therefore cannot go out on strike. Is this true?

No. While many of us perform critical work, as long as you are represented by a bargaining unit, i.e. union, you have the legal right to strike! Absolutely no one can tell you differently. If you have been told by your supervisor that you cannot strike, please contact the Chief Steward and provide us the name of the supervisor.

What is the Mutual Support Committee?

U of M AFSCME has set up a support fund. Donations have been and will be taken from unions, from the larger community and from on-campus supporters. The Mutual Support Committee is responsible for administering the hardship fund and for mobilizing the additional resources of the Union and the community to meet the health and welfare needs of strikers and their families.

I have vacation coming up, what happens to my vacation if I strike?

The employer will not grant vacation pay while a strike is ongoing.

Can I work for another employer during the strike?

Yes. Many employees will seek temporary and/or part-time positions. Retail enterprises will have begun holiday hiring and will likely be a good source of temporary work. Keep in mind that evening and weekend work will allow you to do picket duty and actively engage in other strike activities.

Where do I show up on the first day of the strike?
We will attempt to call everyone to let you know what building you are to go to on that first day. There will be main gathering areas. If you do not get a call from someone at Strike Headquarters, please check for your picket location on your Local’s web site: AFSCME 3937: www.afscme3937.org. AFSCME 3800 www.afscme3800.org

Will I be picketing in front of my building?
The first day calls for people to picket in front of your own buildings, but if you have reasons you would like to picket somewhere else let us or a picket captain know. We may move people around to meet the needs of the situation in order to have the most effective strike possible.

What happens if I don’t strike? Do I have to strike?

Once a decision is regarding the employer’s final offer has been made (the reject or accept vote), and if the vote is to reject and strike, all employees are expected to honor the majority decision. Failure to do so will mean you are consciously harming the efforts of your co-workers. Once a decision is made to strike, every worker bears personal responsibility for the strength of the strike action. Every worker also needs to care about the needs of every other worker and help to make sure those needs get met during the strike. This is done by raising hardship funds from supporters, participating in the work of the mutual support committee and making needs known to union leaders.

Personal/Financial issues:

What happens if I can’t make my mortgage payment?

We suggest you immediately notify whatever organization holds your mortgage (your bank, building & loan, credit union, etc.) to inform them that you may possibly be going on strike. Many companies have policies or procedures that may make a postponement or reduction of payments during the strike without adversely affecting your credit. Once you find out what the policies are please let us know. There may be other employees who can use this information for themselves.

What if I rent an apartment?

You should get in touch with your landlord and inform them of the possibility of a strike. Once the strike starts, if you are not able to pay the rent, ask for a postponement until the successful conclusion of the strike.

How can I pay my utility bills?

Notify all utilities (telephone, gas, electric, water, cable, etc.) of the possibility of a strike.

I have credit card debt. Will they let me skip payments?

Notify any companies to whom you are making any payments for cars, furniture, department stores, credits cards, loan companies, etc. and inform them of the possibility of a strike. Find out what their policies are. Once the strike starts, if you are unable to make payments, you should give notification that you are on strike an request a moratorium on your accounts until the strike is settled.

Is there any help from the Union while I’m on strike?

We have formed a U of M AFSCME Mutual Support Committee which is responsible for mobilizing the resources of the Union, the International, and the community to meet the health and welfare needs of strikers and their families. There is a committee of our members who will be establishing guidelines for distribution of funds in emergency situations, and they will be responsible for reviewing any applications.

In addition, there are governmental and voluntary agencies in the community that can provide assistance. The Mutual Support Committee will identify these agencies, determine eligibility requirements, and develop a referral process for our members.

University-related issues:

Could the University lock us out?

The University cannot lock us out as long as we are engaged in a legal strike. we will be engaged in a legal strike. Any communications implying otherwise are simply attempts to intimidate.

If I had scheduled vacation during the time we are on strike, will I be paid for it?

The University has said that vacation will be cancelled not only for striking workers, but other employees as well. This is at supervisor discretion and each individual supervisor has a choice about whether to do this or not.

Can I tell my supervisor that I am going to strike?

Your supervisor cannot require you to tell him/her whether or not you are going to strike. To even ask you if you are going on strike is considered an unfair labor practice. It is up to you whether or not you want to give them that information.

Will I have to turn in my keys and secure cards and tell my passwords to my department?

Your supervisor cannot ask you whether or not your are going on strike. They can ask all clerical workers in your department to turn in all keys and secure cards that are Department property. University policy on passwords to all systems is clear. It says, “Passwords must be managed solely by the authorized owner of the User ID. Passwords must remain confidential. Never share passwords with your supervisor or technical support staff.” This is a direct quote from the following web site http://www.fss.umn.edu/sec_jde_passreminder.htm.

Will I have to turn in my U Card?

Your U card is personal property. You cannot be asked to turn it in to the department. For many people it is also an ATM card. If it is used for security access and your supervisor wishes you not to have access in the event of a strike, he/she will have to cancel that access through their normal channels but cannot do so by seizing your U Card.

What about my Regents Scholarship?

As long as you work a certain number of days in the semester, your Regents Scholarship benefit is covered. If you are taking a class, ask the professor or instructor is s/he will move the class off-campus. If they won’t, you can ask how to participate without crossing the picket line.

Will my Metropass be cancelled? How about my Parking Contract?

Neither your Metropass nor parking contract will be cancelled. The University will bill you for any payments that were missed because you did not have a paycheck.