Support Hunger Strike @ U. of Vermont!

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/uvm_hunger

Twelve students at the University of Vermont are forgoing food until the Administration takes action and signs an agreement to implement a livable wage for its workers. Members of the Student Labor Action Project (SLAP) stepped up their campaign Friday after President Daniel Mark Fogel rejected the proposed livable wage measures. Starting Monday, students are refusing food until Fogel signs the agreement.

Livable wage is a calculated earning based on the costs of living as determined by the State of Vermont's Joint Fiscal Office. The Joint Fiscal Office adjusts the livable wage to meet the rising costs of living. The current livable wage for 2007 is set at $13.62 per hour.

Just click the link to take action.


I am writing to express my support for the members of the Student Labor Action Project currently on hunger strike. It is unfortunate that it has come to this point, however, it seems that all means of reasonable dialogue have been exhausted. It is my hope that you will reconsider implementing the recommendations of the Basic Needs and Equitable Compensation Task Force for all directly and indirectly employed by the University.

The University of Vermont prides itself on being a leader in environmental and social justice. Without the actions behind the words, the institution is promoting a false image. While you may believe UVM's worker compensation is comparable to other institutions of higher learning, that simply isn't enough. UVM should strive to be a leader and model of economic and social justice. Livable wages are an essential component of such a model.

The support of the Student Government Association, Faculty Senate, thousands of students, hundreds of staff, and local and national legislators should be a strong indicator that the University community supports and stands behind you in implementing a livable wage for UVM's workers.

The current wage floor of $10.60 per hour still falls below the $13.62 per hour livable wage determined by the Vermont Joint Fiscal Office. The workers are the backbone of the University. Without their tireless dedication and often under-appreciated contribution to UVM, the University would not be what it is today. These workers pour their hearts into the UVM community and deserve to be appropriately compensated with a wage that allows them to meet their most basic of needs.

The actions that will take UVM to the next level of social responsibility are in your hands. I hope you will affirm your stated commitment to social justice and agree to implement a livable wage policy at UVM. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "Justice delayed, is justice denied."

[mike_c]

1. wow, that takes immense courage....

:patriot: