Over the past months there has been much discussion about how to cut costs at the U. Many of us have heard a lot of rumors and misinformation about furloughs versus voluntary leaves of absences. We would like to take a minute of your time to provide the most up-to-date information.

In January, 2010 the University of Minnesota's administration presented a plan for 10 mandatory furlough days for all paid staff. When AFSCME uncovered the administration's plan to unilaterally impose these forced furlough days, we stood up together to oppose this plan . We know that it places an unfair burden on the lowest paid staff who are already struggling to get by. As a result of our campaign the U was forced to reduce the proposal to three forced furlough days. While three furlough days is preferable to ten furlough days, it is still too great of a loss for the lowest paid workers at the U. Many of our members cannot afford to lose a single hour of pay, much less three days over the holidays. There are better money saving options that won't put the burden of the U's budget crisis on the backs of lower paid staff.

FURLOUGHS WILL NOT STOP LAYOFFS-To be very, very clear, mandatory furlough days WILL NOT end layoffs at the U. In discussions with the U, we asked if forced furloughs would prevent layoffs. The U responded that furloughs in lieu of layoffs have never been an option and that the U will not commit to no layoffs. In addition, President Bruininks has publically stated in regents meetings that an additional 600 jobs will still have to be eliminated. Some of you have stated that you would agree to forced furloughs if it would save jobs. Many of us would be willing to sacrifice if it would save our jobs and our co-workers' jobs, but furloughs are not being used to prevent layoffs or other job loss. The administration's plan includes both. We will continue to fight not only forced furloughs for lower paid workers, but layoffs as well.

THE U HAD AMPLE TIME TO PLAN FOR THE 27TH PAY PERIOD-The adminstration would like you to think that you are getting more money this year because of the 27th pay period. The reality is that every eleven years, there is a payday on one of the first days of the fiscal year and a payday on one of the last days of the fiscal year. Hourly employees get paid only for the hours worked, which is the same every two weeks. This is merely an accounting anomoly because of the dates of the U's fiscal year. The U had 11 years to plan for this anomaly but did not put together a plan. The lowest paid workers should not be forced to pay the price for the U's poor planning.

FURLOUGHS ARE A SALARY CUT-In our last contract negotiations, our Union negotiated a 2% cost of living increase effective July 1, 2010 in lieu of step increases. The U Administration has taken the position that the 2% cost of living increase we negotiated more than offsets our loss of income that would be caused by 3 forced furlough days. What they fail to mention is that in an effort to help solve the U's budget problems, we agreed to forego two step increases totaling 4%. Our cost of living increase was negotiated in good faith and should not be used as part of a public relations manipulation to justify the forced furloughs.

There are other options available to solve the U's budget problems.

VOLUNTARY FURLOUGHS-Both Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis have attempted to implement forced furloughs in the past. In both cases AFSCME recommended a voluntary furlough program. Both programs surpassed the initial savings goals.
--In April, 2010 H.F. 1671, the supplemental budget bill, was signed into law. As a result of lobbying efforts by U of M AFSCME, a rider was included urging the Board of Regents to consider voluntary furloughs rather than regressive across-the-board cuts for its lowest paid employees.
-- AFSCME recently sent a survey to all University employees regarding voluntary versus mandatory furloughs. 7,000 employees took the survey. Of those, 37% said they would volunteer for a furlough, with an average commitment of 61.44 hours. It makes sense to try this option before making furloughs mandatory. A voluntary program would allow those who can take a furlough to do so, while not forcing those who can't afford a loss in pay to take mandatory days. Yet the University refuses to explore this option. For a detailed report on the survey, go to www.afscme3800.org.

SLIDING-SCALE PAY CUTS-In 1932, when the University of Minnesota was facing a similar economic crisis during the Great Depression, the Board of Regents instituted sliding scale pay cuts. Those earning top salaries took a greater cut, while those earning the least took no cut in income at all. The Regents cut salaries between $1,200 and $3,600 by 10%, 15% or 20%, while people who made less than $1,200 did not get a salary reduction. The U should institute a similar policy.

IMPLEMENT PAY CUTS TO THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD IT-Salaries of staff making over $200,000 should be cut and the number of management positions earning six figure salaries should be drastically reduced. This would save recurring costs, rather than the one-time savings of forced furloughs. If the U is serious about solving its budget problems the answer is not to cut one-time costs such as salary for one year, but to cut recurring costs. Mandatory furloughs and voluntary leaves of absence do save money, but they are a one-time fix. The problem returns in 2011 and 2012 and into the future when the lowest paid will again be asked to sacrifice. If the U is serious about fixing their financial problems once and for all they must cut the salaries of those at the top.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO STOP FORCED FURLOUGHS

JUNE 10 CALL-IN DAY-FLOOD PRESIDENT BRUINICKS' WITH CALLS AND EMAILS TO DEMAND HE STOP MANDATORY FURLOUGHS AND IMPLEMENT OTHER VIABLE OPTIONS, such as voluntary furloughs, sliding-scale pay cuts and cutting the salaries and number of administrators making more than $200,000. (Phone: 612-626-1616; Email: bruin001@umn.edu)

JUNE 14-PACK THE REGENTS' PUBLIC HEARING ON THE BUDGET AND ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE BEFORE THE HEARING. LET'S MAKE SOME NOISE! Monday, June14 at 11am in front of McNamara Alumni Center (200 Oak Street SE).

BECOME A FULL MEMBER-WE NEED STRENGTH TO IMPLEMENT CHANGE! The interest of our union is aligned with your best interest! If you are not a full member, and want to join our union, please contact our organizer Tracy at 612-432-4756 or afscme3800@gmail.com.