Our brothers and sisters of Teamsters Local 320 organized informational pickets to coincide with move-in day at the University of Minnesota dorms. We wanted parents, students and the general public to know how insulting and inadequate management's wage offers have been in our contract negotiations.
This is the leaflet we were handing out (as seen after a long hot afternoon in my pocket!)
I graduated from the University and came here to work in research. I have to work every other weekend just to survive and even that isn't enough to stop from defaulting on my student loans. I shouldn't be so poor for working so hard.- Bridget Nieto, U of MN Class of 2009, Lab Animal Attendant
The 400+ workers making less than $15/hour at the U, not to mention a large number making very little more than that after years of experience, have a hard time making ends meet.
Average rent in the Twin Cities recently topped $1000/month.
More photos and solidarity below the fold.
Luckily there was some shade at Centennial Hall on East Bank where the action began, as it seemed we managed to turn up the actual weather heat as well.
Teamsters made up the majority of those picketing, but were joined by people from other U of MN unions, including myself.
Since I am behind the camera, you only get to see my wind-battered sign.
We also got organized solidarity from students in addition to positive comments, thumbs up, and approving honks from students and families moving in.
Here are some of my favorite signs and faces telling our stories.
We did some marching and chanting, but were careful not to disrupt the actual moving in. We also had a moment where several of us spoke briefly about why we were there. The wage offers from management to the different U of MN locals differ slightly, but all have been fractions of a percent, amounting to less than $10/month for most of us. That is not going to help much with the increasing rents and mortgages, the student loans or the credit card debt. We work hard and we deserve better!
Shortly after that, I moved to West Bank to check out the action there. There is only one dorm on West Bank, so it was a smaller group, but quite enthusiastic.
Many of the West Bank people had to report to work at 5, so President Sami Gabriel of Teamsters Local 320 collected their signs.
You can support us even if you do not work or study at the U of MN. We are going to deliver this petition to administration on September 15. Please sign & share.