University of Chicago Facilities Workers Deliver Petition to President Alivisatos

On January 31, a group of University of Chicago facilities workers delivered a petition to University President Paul Alivisatos demanding a fair contract that addresses short staffing across campus.

The petition, supported by nearly all members in the unit, highlighted the lack of progress at the bargaining table around fair pay and increased access to training. Facilities workers are calling for higher wages to stop the constant turnover and more training to allow workers to advance into high-skilled jobs at the University.

Facilities workers were denied entry into the building, but their spirits remained high. Workers left the petition with Levi Hall security and rallied outside to let the University know they are committed to doing what it takes to win a fair contract.

“Actions like these show the University of Chicago that we are unified and willing to take action for what’s right. We all support each other, and we are committed to continuing the fight,” said Tom Wright, building refrigeration engineer at the Booth School of Business, Local 73 union steward, and bargaining committee member.