MnSCU workers condemn administrator bonuses

[Omaha Steve]

I'm AFSCME (Local 251)in case you didn't know.

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_4566

20 July 2010

ST. PAUL - Dozens of AFSCME and MAPE members scolded MnSCU trustees Tuesday for paying bonuses to bosses while workers get pink slips and students pay more for tuition.
The trustees have already awarded a $40,000 performance bonus to Chancellor James McCormick, whose base salary is $360,000. Despite the system’s budget crunch, additional bonuses are now expected for dozens of other top administrators who earn six-figure salaries.



AFSCME is asking the trustees to walk their talk of “shared sacrifice” and put a stop to the bonuses. Among those getting their message across were June Clark, who works Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls and is president of MnSCU Local 4001, and Leon Bowman, Local 945, Winona State University.

Mark Dayton, Council 5’s endorsed candidate for governor, joined the demonstration and criticized the bonuses. Dayton called the bonuses a misplaced priority at a time when students are paying higher tuition and workers are taking pay freezes or losing their jobs.

“Leadership leads by example,” Dayton said. Instead, MnSCU trustees are giving bonuses to MnSCU officials who already are paid more than the governor.

Karen Foreman, Local 638, Minnesota State University in Mankato, said the bonus money could save jobs and the services that students need.

Reprinted from the AFSCME Council 5 website.