Negotiations not Ultimatums

At the end of September I wrote to you to inform you about the progress of negotiations. At that time I let you know that once again Temple administration had put merit pay on the table. This flawed punitive system was rejected during our last negotiations four years ago. We spoke loud and clear about Temple’s so called merit plan then, and our position has not changed. Let me state once again that we are not opposed to a system that truly rewards excellence and provides additional compensation to our bargaining unit members. But that additional compensation must be available after all members receive an across the board raise that is fair.

Temple’s plan is not a merit plan – it is a way to get employees competing with each other, and a way for some employees to fund the raises of other employees. Some must fail for others to succeed. This is not merit and this is not fair. This plan is not meant to reward, it is meant to control and to weaken the voice of the Union.

This merit system is also meant to distract us from the very real and unfair shifting of resources from the many to the few (see the back of this letter). This transfer of resources has been going on for some time in the for-profit private sector, and has been a major cause of stagnant wages for the middle and working class. Unfortunately, the greed that pervades our corporations is now infecting our non-profits and Universities, places that should be examples of justice and the ethical treatment of all people.

Temple has said that there are benefits waiting for us if we agree to their merit system, but only if we agree. If we do not agree, they will not agree to some important proposals that we have put on the bargaining table – even though they have indicated to us that they can afford these benefits. “Do what we say and do it our way” is not negotiating. “Do it our way or you will not get what we can afford to give you” is not negotiating. Temple wants to dictate to us and present us with ultimatums rather then enter into true mutual respectful negotiations.

Once again Temple has failed to come to terms on a fair contract by the October 31, 2007 deadline. And once again Temple has missed a golden opportunity to show how much it appreciates and values its employees. Your Union will continue to fight for you and represent your interests.

In Solidarity

Paul L. Dannenfelser
President AFSCME/Local 1723

Enclosure - Greed Grips Temple

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