Today over 90 employees of the UT Institute of Agriculture received a letter explaining that effective January 7, 2008 they will have a 40 hour work week and over time pay! Additionally UTIA plans to implement this change in such a way that no workers will see a reduction in their biweekly, monthly or annual rates of pay.

There is no need to say how huge this news is for these workers, their families and our communities. This decision means a raise for the affected workers and just compensation for overtime hours.

Today’s news represents a tremendous victory for hope. Hope that UT can and will be a humane, just place to work. Hope that campus staff and faculty can be treated as partners in our mission and not simply “resources” treated the same as an automobile, a computer or office supplies. UCW-CWA welcomes this news as a needed sign that hope is truly on the way in 2008!

Tom Smith
UCW-CWA President