I am writing in response to Eli George's story "Think before you flush" (March 3) because I believe that respect for our campus janitors is an issue that is absolutely essential. I agree with the general sentiment of this article. The janitors at UB work extremely hard. They're often forced to do seriously unsanitary and potentially dangerous work. Students on campus should think twice about the effects of their actions on the daily routine of the people that make this university run.
However, I believe that we have to recognize a much more consistent area of disrespect that our campus janitors are forced to deal with: pay and benefits. The majority of them are earning $7.03/hr with no benefits as at will employees (meaning they can be fired without cause). Many of the janitors that I have personally met with are working two jobs in an attempt to support their families. If the university believes that it can continue to disrespect our workforce in such a way, they had better think again.
I also hope that students will think a little deeper about what respecting janitors means. Does it mean basically cleaning up after yourselves? Of course it does, but I would argue that it means more than that. It means joining the fight with janitors for better wages and benefits. There is a campaign on campus now demanding that all campus janitors receive $10.75/hr minimum with benefits. We meet every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Capen Caf?(c) for those interested.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
