University of Missouri President Mun Choi gave the State of the University address on Wednesday morning in Jesse Hall. Among other things, President Choi talked about the university’s retention rate, investments made in the campus, as well as faculty and staff, research expenditures and plans for adding onto the campus and football stadium.
“Staff are really incredible because without them, we cannot achieve the status we seek as university. Through MizzouForward, we’ve made investments in staff retention, staff professional development, and we recognize our staff throughout the year with awards and recognition,” Choi said.
Andrew Hutchinson, union representative and organizing director of Laborers’ Local 955, watched President Choi’s speech and shared his concerns.
“We heard a lot of talk about MizzouForward, but you go and ask staff members on campus if you think their jobs have gotten better or worse over the last ten years, you’re going to hear that things are going backward,” Hutchinson said.
Later in the day, MU Workers United members responded directly to President Choi’s speech in a press conference held on the steps of Jesse Hall.
According to Hutchinson, the union’s concerns have to do with staff pay, raises, PTO and other benefits. Hutchinson said there are discrepancies between Choi’s claims and the reality of how staff is treated.
"Folks are going longer and longer without raises, and there are folks who are struggling to get by on what they make,” Hutchinson said.
