Regarding Privatization
RESOLUTION OF THE EMPLOYEE FORUM
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
May 1, 1996
WHEREAS, the Mission of the Employee Forum is to address constructively the concerns of the Employees of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and
WHEREAS, the primary purpose of these Employees’ work is to support the University’s mission to discover and disseminate knowledge; and
WHEREAS, in fulfilling this mission the University justifiably seeks the most effective and efficient means available, including searching for those opportunities where privatization might be beneficial, and
WHEREAS, the Administration, faculty and Employees of the University are in the primary position to determine where these opportunities may exist; and
WHEREAS, as a public organization, the University serves as a model of the State’s social and cultural values; and
WHEREAS, the University must balance and blend the values of economic efficiency with values of justice, education, social responsibility and its responsibilities as a model Employer, in order to maintain the positive sense community that has pervaded campus life;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that in utilizing competitive, market-based privatization efforts four principles must guide the University’s actions:
1. Privatization must be based on clearly defined goals including quality and cost-effectiveness criteria rather than ideology. How best to handle or deliver a service must be based on the specific conditions and values served by each program, including both tangible and intangible aspects.
2. Privatization must be based on a long-term perspective rather than focused on short-term gains. Consideration must be given to the organizational knowledge that long-term Employees bring to the University’s core educational functions.
3. Privatization must include adequate monitoring and auditing provisions.
4. Decisions on privatization must take into consideration not only the impact on the University but also the impact on Employees affected and the public at large. The decision-making process must be open and should include wide participation from the University community. Decisions must remain open to influence by the University community and support values espoused by that community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Employee Forum strongly opposes efforts to realize savings through cuts in the wages, benefits or working conditions of University workers resultant from the privatization process.
Signed on behalf of the Delegates of the Employee Forum
Ann Hamner, Chair