USA CONTRACT CONCESSIONS

USA members,

     When last I wrote to you I told you of our meeting with the Governor and asked that members call their legislators which many of you did.  It was reported back to me that many Rep's and Senator's told you that they could not fund the contracts without our taking concessions like the other state unions have.  So as a coalition, USA, MSP, PSU, CSU, GRACE, and the state and community colleges have been meeting and we originally said NO to the concessions which included furloughs.  There was a lot of back and forth with the Governor's office and finally a meeting was held 2 weeks ago with the President's office.  At this meeting the President's office laid out the concessions you have been sent and again there was an effort made to change and add items but it was refused by the University.  Another meeting was held with just the leaders of the coalition and it was decided by all units at that time that this was the best offer we were going to get at this time.  So, we as the leaders agreed to sign the tentative agreements and let the members vote as to whether we accept this or not.  I have heard from a few people that they feel we sold them out or we caved in, this totally is NOT the case, this is your union and your contract, if you do not feel we should take this deal then vote NO.  If a no vote wins then we will have to deal with the consequences of such a vote, it will probably mean we will get zero's for COLA for the next three years.  As your President I am very disappointed that we are having to consider these concessions but the leadership of all the unions have agreed that this is the best we can do at this time.  Believe me if the economy picks up or some other unit gets a better deal we will re-open this contract and fight for the same.  Many considerations went into this decision and one of them is the budget, we could hold out and demand the university make up the difference in salaries but if we do where do you think the money will come from?  I guarantee that lay-offs would occur and then we would all be wishing we took this deal.  We need to change the funding in this state and that is going to take time, so I urge you to look at all the facts and vote accordingly.  I am hopeful that better times lay ahead, I just don't know how far ahead they are. REMEMBER THE UNION BEGINS WITH "U"!!!

Peace and solidarity,

Donna Johnson

President USA