AFT Wisconsin:

Wisconsin’s public universities, a cornerstone of our state’s success, are facing a critical crossroads. For years, the UW System has been under attack, experiencing budget cuts, rising costs, and political interference. This has had a devastating impact on students, faculty, and staff. We’ve seen campus closures, layoffs, and fewer academic options, particularly for students who need them most.

But there are heroes in this fight: UW System workers. They’ve been vocal advocates for public higher education, organizing against harmful policies, pushing for funding, and championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. These same workers have requested simple meetings with their chancellors to discuss these issues through a process called “meet and confer.” Shockingly, every single chancellor has refused. Worse yet, administration has resorted to anti-union tactics to silence these dedicated workers. This is an outrageous attempt to shut down the voices of those who care most about the future of our universities.

We, the people of Wisconsin, deserve a say in shaping our public universities. We need to ensure student success, high-quality programs, and good working conditions for staff. We’re writing to you because you have stood strongly with our public workers in the past and we need your help again.

We’ve launched a solidarity letter demanding that the UW Board of Regents, UW System, and campus chancellors:

• Respect the right to a collective voice for workers.
• Engage in good faith meet-and-confer discussions.
• End intimidation tactics against union members.
• Preserve essential academic programs and staffing.
  

Please add your voice to this critical effort by signing the solidarity letter: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/support-our-uw-system-workers-in-their-fight-for-the-public-higher-education-we-all-deserve/

This fight doesn’t stop here. We need a massive show of force to show UW Administration that Wisconsinites stand with our dedicated UW workers. Share our solidarity letter. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to sign the letter and stand in solidarity.

Together, we can send a clear message: Wisconsin’s public universities are essential, and we won’t stand by while they’re dismantled. By acting now, we can ensure that the UW System remains a beacon of academic excellence and opportunity for all.

Thank you for your support!

In Solidarity,
Jon Shelton, President
Contact AFT-Wisconsin at 608-662-1444 or solidaritycenter@aft-wisconsin.org