Alumni Luncheon Interruption to Demand Fair Wages for UCSC Workers

Text of flyer distributed at the All-Alumni Reunion Luncheon:

The UC Service Workers' Contract Campaign

An Update for Alumni

Since August the UC and the service workers' union, AFSCME Local 3299, have been negotiating a new three-year contract. These negotiations present an important opportunity for workers to receive more recognition for their hard work. While George Blumenthal and other UC executives have declared their support for labor, little has been done to meet the demands of the workers.

* Market Rate Wages - At the expense of faculty, students, workers and their families, the UC is attempting to keep workers' salaries below those of their counterparts at community colleges and hospitals. This forces many workers to spend less time with their families as they are forced to work two or three jobs. UC service workers are asking for automatic annual step wage increases that reward seniority, not favoritism, and ensure that everyone reaches the maximum rate.

* Pension and Healthcare Protection - The University continues to refuse to yield its power to adjust pension and healthcare plans during the life of the contract without negotiating. We must ensure workers' voices do not go ignored as the University violates the terms of their contract.

It is shameful that our community is mistreated by a financially healthy institution. While UC executives are given record wage increases, workers continue to not be a priority of this institution. These demands are for basic financial stability and a fairer reflection of the value of these jobs, because without workers this University would not run.

Voice of an Alum: "As an alumni I want the administration to know that I'm not going to give anymore money unless they agree to share it with the people who do the work that makes the University run. The time for a fair contract is NOW!" -Sandino Gomez

Brought to you by the Student & Worker Coalition for Justice