Mr. Daniel H. Polett, Chairman
Board of Trustees
Office of the Secretary
Sullivan Hall – 3 Mezzanine
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Dear Chairman Polett,

We are writing to express our concern that the members of AFSCME Local 1723, have been working without a contract since October 2007 and the members of AFT Local 4531 (TAUP) have been working without a contract since October 2008. Related low morale, economic uncertainty, and unease among dedicated employees undermines productivity and is not in the best interest of your institution.

My understanding is that two issues are at stake. Fair share allows bargaining unit members to pay a fee for the services that they receive from the Union even if they are not members. Local 1723 is one of only three Unions at the University that does not have a Fair Share arrangement.

Members of both AFSCME 1723 and AFT 4531 have similar issues – a fair across-the-board raise and fair share. These are issues both unions want to resolve. Local 1723 finds merit pay without an across the board base raise problematic because it does not allow for any cost of living adjustment. Fair minded supervisors may distribute raises based on merit and cost of living, however, this system opens the door for favoritism and discrimination.

As you are aware, the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO has called for local unions and individual members to withhold donations from Temple until these contracts are settled. We join the Council in urging you to come to a resolution of differences and negotiate contracts that serve Temple University employees and the wider community.

Sincerely,

Jeff Hornstein, President Rosalind Spigel, Director

Cc: Dr. Ann Weaver Hart
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