Labor Day 2005 - An Editorial
Labor Day, a creation of the labor movement, is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. At Washburn University, it is time for the administrators to re-examine their attitudes toward labor.
The Memorandum of Agreement between Washburn University and its collective bargaining unit employees expires at midnight on June 30, 2006. Negotiations for the new agreement should consider a fairer approach to this group of workers that help keep the students fed, that keep the buildings and facilities clean and operating, and that keep the grounds well-maintained and attractive.
In FY06, these workers received a three percent pay increase, while the university employees as a whole received salary increases from a four percent salary pool. With annual salaries ranging from $15,300 to $28,600, but averaging only $19,300, it is a real tribute to the work force that the campus looks and operates as good as it does.
Perhaps the administrators could consider a salary step program that more closely resembles the Kansas Civil Service Plan that seems to more fairly compensate employees for experience. It also seems like it might be a good idea to move the salary scale at the same rate as the rest of the University. Otherwise, the gap between the laborers and the rest of the University will only widen.
With record enrollments and record surpluses, weak excuses should not be accepted in place of compensating these workers fairly. The students, faculty and staff should demand nothing less from the Washburn University administrators.