Community Demands Sunshine!

Posted On Nov 6th, 2006

2006-11-06
Community Demands Sunshine!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 6, 2006

  • CONTACT: WILLIAM SCHLITZ
  • (510) 844-1160
  • (510) 701-0810 cell

Community, Student Organizations & Unions Demand
UC Follow “Sunshine” Laws on Compensation Issues

Oakland, CA – On Friday, November 3, 2006 community and student organizations from across the state filed Unfair Labor Practice charges against the University of California for failing to comply with Public Notice Requirements on compensation issues. Filing charges were the UCLA African Student Union, Conciencia Libre, East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy, St. Andrews Missionary Baptist Church, MECHA de UCLA, and Professor Charles Schwartz.

“In light of the executive compensation scandals plaguing the University, members of the UC Community are deeply concerned that UC’s position on this matter is yet another example of the University’s disregard for the public’s right to know, and the public’s right to participate in the policy-making process”, expressed Bill Shiebler, President of the UC Student Association.

In July, 2006 the UC Office of the President notified each Union that represents workers at UC that they are requesting mid-contract re-opener negotiations over employee pension issues. The Union Coalition is committed to working with the Office of the President to deal with this important issue.

“The Union Coalition had expressed in writing to the University in October that we felt that bargaining could not begin until the University properly gave public notice of this matter and suggested that they do this for their November 2006 Regents Meeting. Unfortunately, our concern on this issue was met with the same disregard for following proper procedures and/or the law that lead UC to it’s infamous executive pay scandal” said Lakesha Harrison, President of AFSCME Local 3299.

“UC is not above the law. The public notice requirements are not a mere formality. They are there to ensure that the public has the ability to comment on any proposal that the Regents may be undertaking. This is a fundamental right in our society and we feel that the Union Coalition should stand with the public and ensure that the University follows the law” said Paul Brooks, a spectroscopist and 27 year employee at Berkeley.

The Union Coalition has canceled the November 9, 2006 scheduled bargaining session due to this issue and will not agree to any further meetings until this issue is properly resolved.

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