Editor,
In response to the gathering economic storm, the University administration plans to give staff the option to take unpaid furloughs from their jobs. Few staff members are in a financial position to do this. Therefore, it is logical to expect that the policy will save little money. The administration certainly knows this and is undoubtedly planning for what comes next. Meanwhile, global production, commerce and lending continue to whither, with little prospect that government or private action will reverse the collapse anytime soon.
Therefore, it is logical to predict that University sources of funding will continue to evaporate. Based on past attitudes of UNM administrators, we can predict beyond reasonable doubt what they will do next. They will impose layoffs and say - falsely - that they had no choice. They will not, in all likelihood, cut University administrators or seriously impair the administrators' living standards in any way.
Knowing the layoffs are coming, we staff at UNM can prepare. We can make clear that we will not go quietly. We will not accept the destruction of our livelihoods, our families and our dreams by people who live in mansions while exhorting others to sacrifice what little they have. The administration has no incentive whatsoever to factor the lives of staff into their decision-making.
Faced with the need to cut costs, they will cut you. They will feel no remorse because they want only to keep their worldly comforts. They dine with corporate executives, well-to-do lawyers, industry lobbyists, financiers and many other people who eat at the finest restaurants and ride the most elegant automobiles. They are not evil, but they are creatures of their own insulated, privileged world. Administrators with their vast salaries and job security will not fall behind on utility bills and credit cards. They will not have to watch people they love suffer and die for lack of health insurance.
The time is coming when speaking at University forums and grumbling at the water cooler will not be enough. Let us decide now, all UNM staff, that we will not sacrifice our futures and the people we love on the word of those who have everything and sacrifice nothing. When the layoffs come and the administrators tell us they have no choice, let us make them see we won't accept decisions by people who grant power only to themselves.
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We can begin by visibly demonstrating our disapproval of the furlough plan. University policy grants staff one 15-minute rest period per four hours on the job. All staff able to take this break - without compromising critical operations, such as health care - should take their 15-minute break simultaneously at 10 a.m. on March 11. We should gather outside the buildings where we work to remind ourselves that we do indeed have power and each other. We will need to remember this when the day for true decision comes. For it comes quickly.
Thomas W. Adams
UNM staff
