The organization’s website said that the goal of today’s strike is to show women’s significance in global economies. In anticipation of large-scale employee absences, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools are closed today, but UNC will operate on a normal schedule.
Charles Streeter, chairperson of the Employee Forum, said he was not aware of the strike until Monday.
“When I found out yesterday, I did reach out to see what the delegates knew about it and what comments they were hearing,” he said. “I’ve not heard anything about someone not planning to come to work without getting prior approval. And I think, for the most part, our staff are well aware of what the rights are of employees in the state and that they would not just take it upon themselves to do something that would cause conflict in the workplace.”
The rules regarding University employees and political activities say “No employee may engage in political activity while on duty.” Employees that do not have the ability to leave their post for a day without consequences are turning to other methods of displaying their passion for the “A Day Without a Woman” movement.
“They’ve gotten permission to bring their daughter to work,” Streeter said. “Some people will be wearing red, and some people have already gotten approval to not come into work and to be actively participating in things outside the University.”
In other University departments, there is not much preparation for the protest.
“I have not heard of or am aware of an organized approach that has come to our office for an event (today),” Bruce Cairns, chairperson of the faculty, said.
Because of limitations on political activity for University employees, offices like Faculty Governance and the Employee Forum have been quiet in preparation for today’s event. This silence even extends to the Carolina Women’s Center, which promotes gender equality and inclusivity around campus.