Approximately 50 University workers and students gathered outside the McNamara alumni center on May 14 to protest what they said are unfair University employment practices.

The rally was sponsored by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3800 and was timed to begin at the end of a Board of Regents meeting in the McNamara alumni center.

“We are here today to put (University President) Bob Bruininks and the Regents of the University of Minnesota on notice that it’s time to make the job and work security of its front-line staff – the people who keep this institution running – a priority,” said Phyllis Walker, AFSCME Local 3800 president.

Rally participants demanded the hiring of University workers with layoff status ahead of outside applicants and changes in probation and hiring rules.

Workers at the rally also criticized the University for proposing to build a football stadium while workers in some departments are being laid off.