I am writing in response to the article "For UB Custodians, Union Presence Fades" in the Jan. 28 issue. I have personal experience with losses attributed to the non-union cleaning staff.
I lost a laptop computer during a week in which the Department of Geography lost tens of thousands of dollars of computer equipment. University police stated it was most likely the work of a cleaning staff employee with an arrest record. That employee vanished not long after the incident.
There are other losses associated with cleaning staff that is paid a non-living wage - ask any of the university staff. They spend hours every week making sure the departments are cleaned properly, time that should be spent serving student needs.
I have spoken to the cleaners that roam the halls in Wilkeson Quad. They make $6 to $7 an hour and are offered no health care. Many of them have families. For most it is an interim job until they can find something else, as one cannot live on $6 an hour, not even in Buffalo.
Why would they stay? Why would they take pride in their work? Does the university take pride in their service? UB claims it cannot afford to pay them a living wage. Why do those on the bottom of the economic ladder, those with little margin to spare, suffer most in the midst of budget shortfall rhetoric? If the university is not willing to acknowledge all people are entitled to a wage that allows them to live in dignity who in American society will?
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
