This letter was written by a clerical worker who sent it to their friends and co-workers, regarding the U's annual Community Fund Drive in the aftermath of this year's strike.
October 8, 2007
Dear Dr. Bruininks,
While I fully support charitable giving and have done so through the University's fund drive every year of my employment thus far, I unfortunately am declining to contribute this year due to my financial situation.
Had the University been willing to negotiate with the union and give its clerical, technical and health care workers the cost of living wage increases we all deserve, I would be in a better position to help others.
I am hopeful that in the future, the University will realize that its workers deserve to make living wages and maybe even pay them enough that they will be able to contribute to the community fund drives going forward. When we, as University employees qualify for charitable help ourselves, I don't see how we can be asked to give to the very charitable organizations we need to keep ourselves and our families afloat.
Sincerely,
[a clerical worker]