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Local AFSCME president Lakesha Harrison rallies workers at a demonstration on campus in July. The

Over three months ago, students and workers across the University of California system came together to rally for higher wages and respect in the face of state budget cuts. Today, they are still fighting for the same things, as the workers who are a part of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees prepare to meet with UC officials for negotiations regarding contract renewals.

A fact-finding committee was formed in the beginning of August, which was made up of a UC representative, an AFSCME representative and a neutral member to chair the panel. The panel heard presentations from the UC and AFSCME on Aug. 25 and 26.

“The panel makes a set of recommendations,” said Paul Schwartz, who is part of the UC Office of the President. “Parties can either adopt some (of the recommendations), all, or none.”

The next step is the bargaining process, which will take place at multiple UC campuses, beginning at UC Irvine on Sept. 15.

This is only the start of what could easily go on for nine months to a year, said Lakesha Harrison, president of the local AFSCME chapter 3299.

“There are 40 some odd articles in the workers’ contracts and we have to go over each one,” Harrison said. “We are gearing up workers for a really tough fight, by educating and training them about their rights to make sure we get a good contract.”

Though the UC budget is decreasing, the cost of living is continuing to rise, making terms of agreement even more difficult for both parties.

“We all know that everything in the world is going up. ... The university already told us that there is no money,” Harrison said.

“We must prove to them that workers are worth more than budget numbers.”

AFSCME has been calling for wage increases since the 2003-2004 fiscal year, but UC management did not give any raises for low-income workers, said Craig Merrilees, AFSCME director for local 3299.

Now that it is time for contract renewal, every part of the contract is being discussed so employees will get what they deserve, said Harrison.

Besides raises, AFSCME is also calling for a “chance to advance,” which will give workers the opportunity to move up the career ladder within the university.

“Workers always get left out of the equation,” Merrilees said. “The universities have so many endowments, they do not think to use some of it to support the people who run and maintain the school.”

The UC system has continued to state that it is difficult to resolve dissatisfaction “due to the fact that the 2003-2004 state budget ... and governor’s 2004-2005 budget proposal provide no state funding for salary increases,” according to an Aug. 24 UC press release.

Workers will continue to receive their current salary, as specified in their contracts, until any changes are agreed upon by both parties.

“We are always willing to seriously consider any proposal that is reasonable and responsive to our needs, that balances needs against current resources,” Schwartz said. “Our objective is to settle these negotiations and move on.”

AFSCME is also hoping to solve the issue as fast as possible, and bring a close to the two-year ongoing problem.

“Anger and frustration is continuing to grow among workers. ... If the university continues to insult employees, they are only creating a situation that will and can explode,” Merrilees said.

Despite the severity of the situation, AFSCME firmly holds that every effort is going to be made to avoid a strike.

“We want the university to recognize the people that make this university run and not look at them as expendable things that they can just get rid of,” Harrison said.

“This is not just about money, but about treating people the right way. We will do whatever we have to do to make sure it happens.”