GEO’s leadership feels that the Chancellor’s email dated Oct. 15th is an ideological response sent in reaction to a climate of fear and uncertainty fanned by media coverage of the current economic crisis. Here in Massachusetts, as well as nationally, we are experiencing the results of decades of neoliberal policy reform involving tax cuts for corporations and deregulation.

We suggest that there are clear alternatives to a Milton Friedman-esque response to crisis that can avoid the fee raises and layoffs suggested by Holub. Considering that during economic downturns the number of people enrolling in higher education increases, we need to eliminate barriers that prevent some from earning college degrees now more than ever.

The UMASS AMHERST LABOR COALITION (INCLUDING GEO, USA, PSU, MSP, AND AFSCME) wants to respond quickly to Chancellor Holub’s October 15th call for thoughts and suggestions to deal best with the financial downturn. We are asking you, the members of all unions, to suggest good ideas for short and long-term savings in attempting to prevent layoffs.

We also encourage you to send your ideas to THE UMASS AMHERST LABOR COALITION care of local1776@external.umass.edu by Tuesday, October 21, 5 pm.

Thank you.

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