Solidarity call for laid off UNC workers

COWINS members are taking action in support of 50 of fellow state workers who are facing layoffs as of January 5.

Coming right before the holidays, these layoffs are devastating for all 50 of us, our families, our community, and other UNC staff who were already facing critical staffing shortages.

President Feinstein blames the layoffs on falling enrollment, a budget deficit, and state funding cuts, but while frontline workers lose their jobs, he will continue to receive a 23% pay increase: his five-year contract includes a salary increase from $325k to $400k annually, on top of a $75k annual retention bonus.

He has also just hired a new Chief of Staff, Jennifer McDuffie, whose salary range was posted at $175 to $185k.

That’s why, from 2 to 4pm on Thursday, December 4, we’ll be picketing outside UNC’s holiday party at UNC’s Campus Commons to demand that management either cancel the layoffs or cancel UNC President Feinstein’s $75,000 pay raise and $75k bonus.

Register for Solidarity Picket Here

We are also demanding that if these layoffs continue, that UNC comply with our contract.

They have so far refused to do that, failing to provide the proper timeline notice outlined in Article 19 of our Partnership Agreement, and withholding information justifying how they determined what positions would be eliminated.

That’s why, in addition to asking the community to come out to our picket to show support for laid off workers, we’re asking for the public to click on the link below to send an email to UNC President Feinstein today.

Email UNC President Feinstein Now

Thank you for helping us hold UNC accountable to our Partnership Agreement, and for helping ensure that all impacted employees receive the dignity we deserve.