Workers, Students,
Legislators Oppose
UVM Outsourcing Plan
BURLINGTON, Vt.
A delegation of students, union members and legislators met
with University of Vermont administrators on Jan. 28 to deliver a petition
expressing concern with the possibility that the university will subcontract
the UVM Shuttle Service and Animal Care Management Dept.
The more than 1,100 students, staff, faculty and community
members signed the petition.
Outsourcing the shuttle service and Animal Care Management
Dept. would result in the layoff of the current UE Local 267 members.
UNFAIR
"Its unfair for these employees to lose their jobs,
especially as these are jobs that pay a livable wage," says UVM student Caitlin
Daniel-McCarter. "There is no guarantee as to what a subcontractor
would pay employees. Not a single student that Ive talked to thinks that
outsourcing the shuttle service is a good idea."
Adds UVM student Kate Gillen, "Student fees fund
the shuttle service. It isnt right that an outside company should make a
profit from our student fees when the current drivers are doing a great
job."
Rep. David Zuckerman (P., Burlington) explains that he
and other state legislators are concerned about the impact subcontracting
could have on decent jobs in the area. "We want to make sure that these
worker maintain their jobs, a livable wage, and full benefits," he said.
STUDENT SUPPORT 'AMAZING'
Shuttle driver Dave Driscoll finds the amount of student
support "amazing." "They have been incredibly supportive of
keeping the shuttle service in-house with the current drivers."
Local 267 Pres. Carmyn Stanko said after the meeting,
"We hope the administration makes the right decision. Its been great
working with students, staff, faculty and community members to save good jobs
at UVM."
At UE NEWS press time, the administration had not yet
made a decision.
UE News - 2/02
