Colleagues,
As many of you already know, a women’s Walk Out/Strike Day or “A Day Without a Woman” is scheduled to take place on March 8th. Once again, I have to issue a warning about UUP bargaining unit members taking part in such actions. Utilizing wording you have all seen before:
UUP members who participate in any such action, which would constitute an illegal strike under New York State Civil Service Law, could be subjected to loss of two days’ pay for one day of action. In addition, anyone on a term appointment could be subjected to Article 19 disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Employees on temporary appointments are at-will employees and could be terminated immediately.
At the same time, I fully understand the desire of our members to be a part of actions to express our resistance to the most regressive parts of the Republican agenda coming from DC. So, let me make the following two recommendations for steps people can take:
1. Avoid spending money — a buyers’ strike — with exceptions for local, women- and minority-owned businesses.
2. Wear PINK in solidarity with those struggling for gender equality. That would include the now legendary pussy hats!
I welcome other ideas that could be useful for all of us to incorporate in our resistance on the 8th. Also, let’s all get involved in the March For Science, talking place across the country on April 22. More information to follow on that!
In Solidarity,
Fred