The Green Party of Minnesota stands in solidarity with the striking AFSCME workers at the University of Minnesota. They deserve to achieve their goal: a fair wage that, at the very least, keeps up with the cost of living.

The U of M reflects the conditions in our larger society – an obscene, and growing, disparity in wealth and incomes. While University austerity programs have led to a decrease in the real wages of its lowest-paid workers, money has been found for large increases in the salaries of the President and top administrators. President Bruininks is paid over $400,000 and the football coach receives over $1 million per year. The Green Party is united in its stand for economic justice, and we recognize that labor solidarity is a critical part of that struggle.

The University is a public institution and its Board of Regents must be held accountable to the public. We believe that the public supports fair wages. Large and growing support for the strike is an indication of public opinion. For the benefit of students, faculty, and AFSCME workers, we call upon the Board of Regents to end the strike immediately by granting the workers’ demands.

We encourage our Green Party members to participate in strike support activities at University campuses throughout the state. The University is the largest employer in the state and the success of this strike is important to us all. We congratulate the members of AFSCME for taking the risks and bearing the sacrifices to stand up not only for themselves, but for all workers.