| Coalition of University Employees (CUE) | 2855 Telegraph Ave., Suite #302, Berkeley, CA 94705 Contact CUE (510) 845-2221 (phone), (510) 845-7444 (FAX) |
Dear President Atkinson:
Think what it would be like to open your pay envelope each month for seven years -- and discover LESS inside than before.
Even though you're working harder than ever -- even though prices are skyrocketing -- and even though you're already working for an average of 21% below the market rate -- it's like someone is actually CUTTING YOUR SALARY!
You ask for a fair pay increase. You know the money's there. But you're told to forget it. Your salary's just not a priority.
President Atkinson, that's exactly the situation UC clericals now face. And no, we're not happy about it.
Since 1993, our real wages have dropped by 9.3%. For us, that is basically a pay cut that puts us, on average, 21% below comparable market wages for the hard work we do.
Thanks to Governor Davis and lawmakers, the next budget will include enough money to begin the process of restoring our lost wages.
Now UC must do its part. With a $1.9 billion surplus, the University can well afford to match the state's commitment. That action is necessary. It is urgent. And it is the right thing to do.
Unfortunately, the University's attitude is apparently typified by your negotiator's comment at the bargaining table. "We have the money," she said, "but clerical increases are just not a priority." If she were put in our place, we expect she would feel much differently.
Mr. President, as our negotiations resume this week, we are asking you to make fair wages a priority. We work hard, and contribute much toward making the University of California one of the world's great educational institutions.
In return, we are simply asking for a living wage to feed our kids, pay our bills and make up what we've lost over the past seven years.
We look forward to sitting down with you, and working together toward that end.
Respectfully,
The Coalition of University Employees