The relationship between the University and many of its union employees is already at frazzled ends. This, however, should not allow the University to renege on the promises it has made.

At issue is a new University policy that restricts sick leave. The policy makes it tougher for workers to take sick days and discourages them from doing so. Three levels of discipline are in place and range from a verbal warning to dismissal in order to discourage University health care employees from using their sick leave. The University’s policy also sets out to punish workers who use more than six days of sick leave.

Recently, University workers handed out surgical masks to patients in protest, telling them they could be exposed to sick workers, according to a Minneapolis Observer article.

The University must stop trying to intimidate health care employees and discouraging them from using their sick leave days.

The central issue that has led the University to encourage workers not to call in sick can be simply reduced to staffing shortages. The University does not have enough workers to fill positions and is strained when workers take sick leave.

Clearly, it is not the fault of the workers that particular functions are understaffed. The University must honor its contracts with union workers. Regardless of staffing levels, the University must grant sick leave. To allow the University to erode the number of sick days health care workers have is a dangerous invitation to further lower the standards that University health care workers receive.

The University’s treatment of health care workers thus far doesn’t bode well for future contract negotiations. When agreements are made, both sides are expected to bide by them until a new contract goes into effect. Hiring a few more workers and reducing the pressure of working when sick can help the University mend some relationships.