Attached you will find a petition, (bottom of page) with an accompanying fact sheet, that has been drafted to voice our displeasure at IU choosing to give 'bonuses' to some staff and not others. It also points out that PAO's and PAU's are being given 'supplemental' pay for 6 days not worked, and that both of these decisions are unfair and in violation of IU policy.

CWA has the right to negotiate distribution of funds, plain and simple (see attachment). We feel all staff should be getting something, and that the money for IUB and IUN 'bonuses' should be spread evenly among all staff. We sit down with the IU administration Friday at 12:30, the more of these we can have filled out by then the better.

While being stiffed on raises is important, and we should continue to shame the University for its misguided and cruel priorities, it is more important that we fight to protect our rights and the integrity of the union. We must be allowed to negotiate the distribution of any monies being given to IUB and IUN staff, and that includes the $500 'bonus'.

So please print the attached petition and get signatures. They need not come from just union members or support staff, all concerned IU employees and citizens should sign and express their feelings.

Once you have the petition filled out you can do one of two things.

1) Return it to Poplars 331 no later than Friday July 24, 11:30 AM, or
2) Let me know by Thursday evening where you are located and someone will pick them up Friday morning.

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As previously noted our petition does specify bonuses days pay given to PAO's and PAU's as something we take issue with. Normally we do not complain about pay received by others, and advocate all workers getting whatever they can out of the University. Further, I don't want to see a wedge driven between us and the PA's. However. we felt we had to make this point because:

1) We feel it is unfair for IU to give 'bonuses' simply because PAO's and PAU's were inconvenienced, and to then claim they can't afford to give all staff a raise. How do the other PA's feel about this?
2) It is very possibly ghost employment, a violation of federal law, and IU has made clear that staff who commit ghost employment are at risk of immediate termination. We don't find this double standard acceptable.

I hope that our relationship with the PA's can survive this possible conflict but the fact is that we have to look our for you, our constituents, supports.staff. If that means going against other staff groups desires at times so be it. We are here for you, and that's who we fight for and are ultimately responsible to.

Thank you, and keep on fighting.

Peter Kaczmarczyk
President - CWA Local 4730

cwa4730_president@yahoo.com