Support union struggle at UNCA

Editor, Asheville Global Report,

Many of you are aware that over the past few months the union has been helping former UNCA housekeeper Sharon Bates fight her termination. Sharon was fired after getting pulled over on campus on her way to work and subsequently being arrested for DWI. Sharon filed a formal grievance against the university to get her job back. Recently, her appeal was denied by the UNCA Grievance Review Board and the Chancellor upheld that decision.

I am writing for two reasons:

1. It is important that the Chancellor and the Human Resources department know that we think this decision is unjust. Sharon was upfront during this whole process that she knew she had a serious problem, which she was getting help for. Sharon has been getting help, including voluntarily participating in a 30 day inpatient treatment program. UNCA should be a caring workplace. Please call or email Chancellor Mullen (251-6500, jmullen@unca.edu) and new Human Resources Director Buffy Bagwell (232-5117, bbagwell@unca.edu) to let them know that you think the university was wrong in not giving Sharon a second chance. Please let me know if you do contact the Chancellor/HR so the union can keep a record.

2. Sharon’s termination has had a devastating financial impact on her and she is on the verge of losing her house. Sharon has been looking for a job since she was fired but has not found one. Without an income, she has been relying on donations and loans from various agencies, churches and friends. Please consider sending Sharon $25 (more if you can, less if $25 is not possible) to help her make her next mortgage payment so she does not lose her house. Her address is PO Box 7224, Asheville, NC 28802.

Please let her know if it is a donation, or you need to be paid back. We know that money is tight for everyone (one of the reasons we are in this union!) but please do whatever you can.

If you have any questions about Sharon’s situation, please email me at rkellis19@earthlink.net. You can also reach Sharon at (828) 252-3370 to give her support or let her know about any job leads. Please pass this on to others you know who can be supportive.

I also want to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge Linda Hall’s hard work in serving as Sharon’s grievance assistance - she spent countless hours making it all happen. Also, Monroe Gilmour served as an invaluable community ally to Sharon. We might not have won this grievance, but we put up a really strong fight. When we fight back (and get in a few good licks), the boss thinks twice about starting the next fight.

Robin Ellis
UE 150 Organizer