AFSCME Asks SGA to Pass Resolution Calling for Layoffs to be Rescinded

Jakob Klaus, Western Region Field Organizer for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employee union, issued this official statement to Frostburg State University Student Government Association President Noah DeMichele to be read at SGA’s Thursday, October 22, 2020 meeting:

“As a representative of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, I commend the remarkable work that is being done by student leaders on campus to address issues of violence, discrimination, and inequality on campus and in the wider community.

As some of you are aware, the FSU administration broke off negotiations with AFSCME and threatened layoffs of employees if we did not concede to their demands that staff takes a salary cut, while the university currently has $20 million in the bank, that could be used to prevent these salary reductions for staff and faculty. Some of you may also be aware President Nowaczyk issued layoff notices to 12 employees yesterday afternoon. All 12 employees are members of AFSMCE’s bargaining unit. President Nowaczyk was indiscriminate in his lay-offs giving no consideration to seniority and targeting only people in our bargaining units.

The AFSCME Contract with FSU has clear language on lay-offs. Employees and their union must receive 90 days’ notice and be provided with a reason for the layoff. President Nowaczyk’s rationale for lay-offs is that the university cannot afford to employ these 12 people. The university is currently hoarding $20 million that they could use to prevent layoffs and salary cuts.  Additionally, AFSCME has offered other alternatives such as fewer salary cuts, campus closures, and furloughs to balance the budget. No other University System of Maryland school is laying people off to balance their budget.  In fact, virtually all of the campuses are protecting 99% of their employees.

Despite President Nowaczyk’s prior claims that he sought to shield the lowest-paid employees at FSU from cuts, 9 of the 12 employees receiving layoffs notices earn less than $50,000 a year.

Despite President Nowaczyk’s public statements that he is not a part of bargaining with AFSCME or that his cabinet makes the final decision on negotiations with AFSCME; President Nowaczyk personally signed all 12 lay-off notices.

President Nowaczyk would rather lay off 12 staff members than use 1% of the University’s $20 million fund balance. President Nowaczyk would rather lay-off 12 employees who make Frostburg run than agree to furlough days. President Nowaczyk would rather lay-off 12 employees than follow in the footsteps of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore where NO ONE EARNING BELOW $75,000 is taking a pay cut.

We are working hard with other unions, community groups, students, and our legislators including George Edwards, Mike McKay, Jason Buckle, and Wendel Beitzel as well as Congressman David Trone to reverse this terrible decision by the administration

WE HAVE 90 DAYS TO STOP THESE LAYOFFS! We request the Student Government Association to pass a resolution calling for President Nowaczyk to rescind these layoff notices and utilize the funds currently available to the university to stop these unnecessary and harmful cuts to staff and faculty at Frostburg State University.