Our chapter published and distributed another press release today on the developing story of the 24 workers RIF'd (laid off) last month. 

Additionally, we published a thread of tweets explaining the problem and providing some of the data we've collected on why these layoffs were cruel, unnecessary, procedurally fraught, and potentially discriminatory.

ucwga_press_release_91520.pdf

The following guest post was written by a worker on our campus.

This evening our chapter sent out a press release related to the 24 recent layoffs announced on our campus calling for a reversal of the decision. In addition, we published two short videos that condense our argument:

Bitten By Whitten, KSU Lays Off 24 Workers from UCWGA KSU on Vimeo.

"Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble." - John Lewis

As of today, the No Layoffs at KSU petition has 275 signatures from KSU workers, students, alumni, and concerned community members who are asking President Whitten to promise that no layoffs will occur at KSU as a result of the FY21 budget cuts. Since the petition was launched on June 16, we have delivered it once in person and twice electronically to keepPresident Whitten apprised of the strong and growing support our campaign is receiving.

UCWGA KSU Chapter is calling on all KSU workers, students, and concerned community members to sign our petition calling on President Whitten to promise no layoffs. Read more below and click the link to add your name.

Dear President Whitten,

Will you do the right thing? Will you promise no layoffs?

Great news! There is no need for layoffs! The AJC reported on June 3rd, that Governor Kemp will be cutting USG’s budget by 11% instead of the 14% originally planned. While we know that 0% budget cuts to higher education is possible by removing unfair corporate tax breaks, we are glad to see that the Governor responded to the public’s pressure to support public services. KSU along with other USG institutions had already proposed budget cuts based on 14%. Included in those cuts were layoffs that would have saved KSU up to $3.1 million dollars. Luckily, we will need to cut $4.8 million less from KSU’s budget because of the decrease to 11%. This means that without a doubt, none of these proposed layoffs are necessary!