Why cuts and layoffs?

As the Budget Reduction Proposal moves toward implementation, the Administration has yet to demonstrate that there are no other resources for addressing the budget shortfall. This lack of financial transparency threatens not only to create a "brain drain" at UF but also to discourage top-rank faculty from applying to UF in the future.

In light of these issues, UFF/UF believes the Administration should explain:

• • How the savings produced by a handful of faculty layoffs—a small fraction of the $47 million to be cut—outweigh the lasting damage that will be done to UF's quality and reputation.
• • Why the rationale for specific layoffs, eliminations, and mergers has not been revealed.
• • Why faculty who have distinguished themselves in teaching and research have been targeted for layoff.
• • Why most of these faculty are foreign-born women and people of color.

Please be assured that UFF/UF continues to work to protect your rights, whether you are a member of the union or not. If you have not yet joined, please visit our website at www.uffacultycontract.org. There you can print and fill out a membership form.

If you believe that any of your rights have been violated, we encourage you to contact our Grievance Coordinator, Prof. Jane Brockmann at 376-0473, at 392-1297, or at hjanebrockmann@bellsouth.net.

Sincerely,

John Biro, President
United Faculty of Florida
238 Norman Hall, PO Box 117055
Phone: 392-0274
Email: president@uff-uf.org