A Message from President Bowen, October 28
The union promised to escalate our campaign until we win a fair contract-we cannot stop now.
There is still no offer on the table, despite the increased attention our contract has received in Albany, City Hall and CUNY’s corporate offices as a result of our October 1st demonstration and the announcement of a strike authorization vote. We need to turn up the heat again.
The schedule of future bargaining sessions has been confirmed, and our next session is on Wednesday of next week-November 4. Come to show your support for the PSC bargaining team and demand a fair economic offer: Wednesday, November 4, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at CUNY’s central office, 205 East 42nd Street. After six years without a raise, we’ve heard enough promises. We demand a fair economic offer now!
Click here to let us know we can count on you. Close to a thousand PSC members came out early in the morning for our October 1st protest. We have less time to plan for this demonstration, but we need just as much support. I am asking each of you to rethink your schedule and make it a priority to be there.
November 4 is also the date the union announced in advance for a mass disruptive action. Scores of PSC members have been training this fall to participate in non-violent disruptive protest, ready to act if needed. Those members are prepared to participate on November 4 in a planned, non-violent action that will risk arrest. They need your support and your witness as they engage in an action that will convey what is at stake for us, our students and the people of New York in the failure to fund our contract.
Please come to the rally on November 4 to support the bargaining team and your colleagues who will risk arrest. The rally itself will be a legal action, and we expect to have a permit. Only those who have trained in non-violent protest with the PSC will be involved in the disruptive action. You do not risk arrest by attending the rally, being loud and strong, and working with our marshals to maintain a safe and powerful demonstration.
CUNY management’s failure to produce an economic offer has already begun to damage the quality of education for CUNY students. The failure to resolve our contract is a failure to invest in the college education of working people, people of color and the poor in this city. On November 4 we will stand up for our right to earn decent pay for the important work we do. By standing up for ourselves, we also take a stand for racial and educational justice.
Click here for a flyer for the event; once you have decided to be there, send the flyer to two co-workers and ask them to come with you. We will triple our numbers if we each bring two colleagues. On Wednesday, November 4, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., stand up for what you need; stand up for what you believe.
