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In cities and
towns throughout Maine on July 6, MSEA-SEIU members
marked the first of 20 state shutdown days by personally
speaking with the owners or managers of businesses they
frequent. Our members explained that the paychecks of
thousands of state workers will be smaller due to shutdown
days, a freeze on merit increases and the suspension
of longevity pay. We further explained that because
our members
value the services that the businesses provide, we will
continue to support their businesses with our hard-earned
dollars to the extent possible given our smaller paychecks.
The response
from the businesses was very favorable. They appreciated
the fact that our members took the time on an unpaid
shutdown day to affirm their support for their businesses,
and to explain the harmful economic impacts of the shutdown
days and other pay cuts ordered by the Legislature and
signed into law by the Governor.
Our members
presented each business with a solidarity card. "While
I may not be in your business as often, yours is one
of the businesses that I have chosen as important to
me and my family," the card states. "I will
continue to spend my hard-earned dollars here but I
will have fewer dollars to spend."
At top, MSEA-SEIU
members talk with the manager of L.L. Bean in Portland.
Below, they chat with the manager of Olympia Sports
in Portland, and (bottom) Joe from Graffam's Classic
Hot Dog in Portland's Monument Square. Click
here to print out solidarity cards to present to businesses
that you frequent.
