In Ross Reykdal's recent letter (\Vote against LTE exploitation,"" 3-31-05) concerning the upcoming ASM student referendum on funding upgrades, expansion and renovation of the Wisconsin Union, it's important to note there are several factual errors which make the conclusions inaccurate and misleading.
Claim: The Master Plan calls for building a 100-room hotel at Union South with student segregated fees.
Fact: The plan does not. It is possible that a new Union South could be designed to accommodate a hotel at some future date. However, this would not involve any segregated fee dollars and would only occur if there were a mutually beneficial agreement reached between the university and a local hotel developer. The idea is conceptual at best, and to suggest it is a reason to vote against the referendum is disingenuous.
Claim: The Limited Term Employee system is abused at the Union.
Fact: While the issue of LTEs has nothing to do with the referendum, we feel it is necessary nonetheless to clarify what is truth and what is hyperbole. The number of LTEs on the Union's payroll decreased by nearly 30 percent over the last two years. The current number of 130 includes 63 who work seasonally, such as sailing instructors and theater ushers. The remaining individuals average $8.36 per hour. If they work more than 600 hours a year, the Union pays health insurance and most of their retirement benefits.
While there are some LTEs on the Union payroll who would like to have a full-time position, it is also the case that the LTE classification exists according to state law to provide part-time employment in state agencies. They want a part-time job and the Union is a good place to work in the center of campus.
Claim: LTEs are more likely to be people of color.
Fact: In 2003, the percentage of new part-time employees who were ethnic minorities was 21 percent. In that same year, the percentage of new full-time staff who were ethnic minorities was 50 percent. It is asserted that the campus does not track these statistics any longer. However, the Union continues to monitor our progress in this important area.
Claim: There is nothing in this referendum for students and it constitutes an unreasonable increase to seg fees.
Fact: Actually, at the end of the 14-year period, the increase will put the UW-Madison seg fee support of the Union at the mid-point for UW System schools. Currently, we are well below the average.
Nearly all of the potential amenities, improvements, space expansion and increased services that are being considered as part of the Master Plan are directly aimed at helping students. This has always been the mission of the Wisconsin Union and will continue for decades to come.
With your help, we can begin the next step in ensuring this service continues for successive classes by passing this referendum. Visit our website, www.union.wisc.edu/itsourunion, for more information.
