Body:

It's hard enough to organize a union, but gaining recognition from an employer is even harder. All too often, successful organizing campaigns are followed by institutions refusing to recognize these new unions. United Campus Workers (UCW), an affiliate of CWA, was formed at the University of Tennessee around the knowledge that UT employees' wages put 20 percent of them below the national poverty line. The UT administration refuses to recognize UCW.

Workers and students at UT are demanding a $1,200 raise for all staff and faculty in an attempt to get every UT employee out of poverty. The union is backing a flat raise of $1,200 instead of the administration's proposed two percent raise because a percentage raise would benefit those at the higher end of payroll more than those who need a raise the most.

You can send messages of support for the flat raise and encourage the administration to meet with union representatives face to face. Write to Chancellor Loren Crabtree, 527 Andy Holt Tower, Knoxville, TN 37996-0184. You can also call Crabtree at 865-974-3265. UT President John Petersen can be reached at 800 Andy Holt Tower, Knoxville, TN 37996-0180 and by phone at 865-974-2241. You can also learn more, and send emails supporting the union, by going to www.unionvoice.org/campaign/supportucw.

Expiration Date:
Thu, 06/01/2006 - 9:00pm