Dozens of AFSCME and MAPE members scolded MnSCU trustees this week for paying bonuses to bosses while workers get pink slips and students pay more for tuition. The trustees have already awarded a $40,000 performance bonus to Chancellor James McCormick, whose base salary is $360,000. Despite the system’s budget crunch, additional bonuses are now expected for dozens of other top administrators who earn six-figure salaries. AFSCME is asking the trustees to walk their talk of “shared sacrifice” and put a stop to the bonuses. Listen to the story on Public News Service.

June Clark

 

Among those getting their message across were June Clark, who works Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls and is president of MnSCU Local 4001, and Leon Bowman, Local 945, Winona State University.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chas Martin & Mark Dayton

 

Mark Dayton, Council 5’s endorsed candidate for governor, joined the demonstration and criticized the bonuses. Dayton called the bonuses a misplaced priority at a time when students are paying higher tuition and workers are taking pay freezes or losing their jobs. “Leadership leads by example,” Dayton said. Instead, MnSCU trustees are giving bonuses to MnSCU officials who already are paid more than the governor.

 

 

 

 

Karen Foreman

 

Karen Foreman, Local 638, Minnesota State University in Mankato, said the bonus money could save jobs and the services that students need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eliot Seide

 

Council 5 director Eliot Seide asked the trustees why they’re protecting the people making the most and hurting the people making the least.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carroll Partridge

 

A reporter interviews Carroll Partridge, president of Local 3998, which represents AFSCME members at Metro State University and MnSCU offices in St. Paul.