That Union Thing
University Janitors Fight for Respect
Janitors at the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University, both subcontracted through Massachusetts-based contractor UNICCO, are fighting for better pay and affordable health care coverage.
Four years ago, the Chronicle of Higher Education noted that UM janitors’ wages, at less than $7 per hour, were among the lowest in the country. A number of UM students and faculty, as well as local clergy, embarrassed by the report, have lobbied the administration to provide a living wage. This past March, UM President Donna Shalala agreed to increase pay to at least $8 per hour and to provide health insurance. However, UM janitors continue to fight for union recognition and have conducted an unfair labor practice strike over the firing of a union supporter.
The almost 700 janitors at UM and Nova hope that union representation will provide them with some rights on the job, in addition to a living wage and health benefits. Service Employees International Union is also in the process of organizing janitors at Miami Beach condos, as well as other local universities.
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