Cal University, union still at odds

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.dailybruin.ucla.edu/news/2008/feb/29/university-union-still-odds/

Calling the UC’s latest offer ‘disrespectful,’ AFSCME continues to demand higher wages

* Tulika Bose (Contact)
* Published: Friday, February 29, 2008

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees has rejected the newest offer by the University of California bargaining committee, which would have provided a $16 million wage increase for 11,000 patient care technical employees represented by the union.

A UC-issued press release stated that this offer would have raised the “average systemwide pay-rate” for the employees to $20.75 an hour.

But Lakesha Harrison, the president of AFSCME Local 3299, said that the raises, stretched over 20,000 workers would only guarantee an approximate 40-cent raise across the board for the union members.

“They’re factoring in the registered nurses who are not in the union and get paid $30 to $40 an hour, and that’s how they can come up with an average of $20.75,” Harrison said.

“It’s disrespectful and a slap in the face. ... We still have people collecting cans to support their families. All we’re asking for is a living wage.”

Harrison added that the union was still demanding a $15 minimum wage for AFSCME workers to be level with other institutions, such as Kaiser Permanente and various community colleges.

FULL story at link.