NEWS
Union plans talks for upset workers
Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.
Also by Pedro Oliveira Jr.:
- Police charge Union workers (February 29, 2008)
- Union employees blast 'incompetent' managers (February 28, 2008)
- Anti-war group pushes Iraqi tuition referendum (February 27, 2008)
- Fire department evacuates UW building after acid spill (February 25, 2008)
- Union proposes budget increase (February 19, 2008)
Related Stories:
- Union employees blast 'incompetent' managers (February 28, 2008)
- Workers claim turmoil, unsanitary conditions at Rathskeller (February 20, 2003)
- Safety issues loom at Union (January 21, 2008)
- Unions remain top priority (April 13, 2005)
- Workers allege Memorial Union racism (September 22, 2006)
by Pedro Oliveira Jr.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The Wisconsin Union will hold a series of forums in the coming weeks to hear student employees’ concerns with management and operations in the facilities, officials announced Tuesday.
The forums come after a group of 33 employees signed a letter sent to the Offices of the Dean of Students last week expressing their discontentment with Union management and alleging a loss of the student voice at the Union.
In an e-mail sent to Union student employees, Director Mark Guthier said “it is apparent that there is a need to discuss employees’ viewpoints in an environment where there is no fear of retaliation.
“In addition, I believe as an organization, we have an obligation to have other members of the Union community present to listen to student concerns and respond where appropriate,” Guthier said.
For UW senior Jesse Allhands, who works at the first-floor information desk, the coming forums are a “step in the right direction.”
“I’m glad they’re doing it, and I think it’s a sincere attempt in addressing students’ concerns,” he said. “But I think that it remains to be seen whether or not these forums will actually accomplish anything.”
Allhands added he was surprised to hear about the forums only a few days after Union officials said the 33 letter signers, roughly 5 percent of the student workers, were not representative of the whole student staff.
“I think they’re beginning to realize that this isn’t just a few people who are complaining about this,” he said. “It sincerely is a large significant portion of the student employee body in both Union South and Memorial Union.”
According to Allhands, other student workers, including him, would like to have signed the letter, but many were not informed that such a complaint was being drafted.
Guthier also urged students to contact their immediate supervisors or managers if they would rather discuss further concerns privately and said those attending the forums would be paid for their time.
The number of forums to be held is yet to be determined, and workers will be informed of dates and times through supervisors and an e-mail later this week.
Anonymous (March 5, 2008 @ 11:03am):
"Guthier also urged students to contact their immediate supervisors or managers if they would rather discuss further concerns privately and said those attending the forums would be paid for their time."
I'm sure student workers will just be lining up to complain to their managers and Union administrators about their managers and administrators, especially given prior treatment and past firings and retaliations. When no one complains, Guthier will claim that the Union is now all hunky-dory and that all the problems were resolved.
Anonymous (March 5, 2008 @ 12:24pm):
Nobody in Union South is complaining.
-Union South Guy
Anonymous (March 5, 2008 @ 4:33pm):
All the complaints are coming from one building, MU, where Paul Broadhead and all the higher ups are stationed. This isn't a "union" issue, it's a Memorial Union building at THE actual Memorial Union.
Anonymous (March 5, 2008 @ 4:43pm):
If no one is voicing their concerns to management, how do you expect the Union to respond and remedy the situation? You stated sarcastically that students will line up and talk with Union management, but yet you fail to mention any other way that students will get their voices heard. Would you rather they voice their concerns here on the DC blogroll? Wouldn't direct conversations be more beneficial for all involved?
Anonymous (March 5, 2008 @ 9:15pm):
I get the feeling that Jesse Allhands is just pissed that he lost out on a sweet job in the Travel Center and now has a job that really requires work.
Let's face it, the travel industry changed a lot over 30 years. When it started, no one else was providing those services on campus. Now, the UW wants study abroad info consolidated to their IAP office. Most students book trips online, and you can buy travel books through amazon.com cheaper than the Union can offer them.
So, Jesse and his cronies could sit in the Travel Center and milk the hours, getting paid to do homework. I think the Union made the right call in closing the Travel Center, as all the services were already duplicated or could easily be folded into other operations. Why hemmorage money on an outdated model?
Anonymous (March 7, 2008 @ 10:32am):
There are plenty of issues at Union South.
Add a comment
We welcome your thoughts, but please keep your feedback thoughtful, on-topic and respectful. Offensive language, personal attacks, or irrelevant comments may be deleted.
Login...
Not registered? Sign up now.
It's quick, free, and the email address you provide will not be sold or solicited.
