3,500 Workers Go on Strike at U. Minn.

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Washington Post

The Associated Press
Wednesday, September 5, 2007; 6:57 PM

MINNEAPOLIS -- Clerical, technical and health workers walked off their jobs Wednesday at the University of Minnesota's five campuses after last-ditch contract talks broke down late the night before. The university said no major disruptions were reported.


Striking University of Minnesota workers gather with their picket signs Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007 in Minneapolis. Clerical, technical and health workers went on strike Wednesday at the University of Minnesota after contract talks with their union broke down. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) (Jim Mone - AP)


The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3800 represents about 17 percent of the employees in the University of Minnesota system _ some 3,500 workers responsible for fixing computers, distributing paychecks, assisting dentists and veterinarians, and many other jobs. School officials said they had contingency plans to keep the campuses running, with students or temporary workers filling in where necessary.

According to university spokesman Daniel Wolter, about two-thirds of the AFSCME workers showed up for work Wednesday _ the second day of fall classes _ at the campuses in the Twin Cities, Duluth, Crookston, Morris and Rochester. The biggest change involved the bursar's office in the Twin Cities consolidating operations on the school's grounds on the East Bank of the Mississippi River and using drop boxes at its West Bank and St. Paul locations.

No appointments had to be canceled or rescheduled at Twin Cities campus health or dental clinics, Wolter said. Service at the veterinary clinic was reduced to emergency and critical care in anticipation of the strike, he said.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/05/AR2007090500543.html

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I am an AFSCME member myself.

[rodeodance]

1. my alma mater. good for them