Editor,
As a non-dues paying member of United Staff-UNM, I would like to begin the movement to eliminate the union as a bargaining agent for those of us trapped in union membership. I have not been concerned with United Staff-UNM's position or actions until now, however it has now become a personal issue.
I have been told that there are about 35 dues paying members of this union out of a total bargaining unit membership of 1,100 employees. Never have so many been controlled by so few with so little results. Those members of United Staff-UNM whose job positions were impacted by the job position upgrades, effective July 1, 2003 did not see an increase in their salary on the pay period ending July 11, 2003 if their salary was below the minimum for the new job grade. Sounds like a simple plan, move me to a new job grade and pay me at least the minimum for that grade, except when there is arbitration. I hold UNM human resources and the union equally responsible in this case. There is no reason to tie the job grade changes to the union position, unless you are trying to build resentment against United Staff-UNM, a very successful move on the part of the University.
The bottom line is that I do not need the union to negotiate for me. I do not need federal arbitration between two stubborn unyielding entities to determine what raise I should receive and since I can't vote UNM out then my only option is to vote the union out. We need 51 percent voter participation with a majority voting for removing the Union. You have my vote. Are there any other union members out there feeling the same? It may be time for the silent majority in this union to begin making their voice heard.
Russell W. Morris
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Admissions Officer
Undergraduate Admissions
Editor's note: United Staff-UNM President Harry Norton says the current number of members who pay dues is 125, with total membership between 1,000 and 1,100.
