HLS Workers Send Delegation to Minow

A Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 615 delegation of nine Harvard Law School custodians went to Dean Martha L. Minow’s office on Friday afternoon to ask for an investigation into new, allegedly discriminatory management practices toward workers.

Although Minow was not in her office, the delegation from SEIU—the union which represents Harvard custodial workers—submitted a letter to Minow’s assistant with a list of complaints and asked for a response within 10 days.

Jeb Mays, an interpreter for SEIU, said that the delegation was formed in reaction to new management practices implemented six months ago. Mays said the recent policy changes are disrespectful towards workers and create a fearful work environment.

“People have been told they are no longer allowed to be seen not working,” Mays said. “That they are not able to buy food from the cafe or sit down or that they are not allowed into the new building. And longtime workers have been told that they are gone for no reason.”

The SEIU’s letter to Minow attributes the policy changes to a new administrator hired six months ago.

“Since her arrival, new and discriminatory policies have been implemented and people have been arbitrarily removed,” the letter reads. “It has become so bad that we have taken the extraordinary step of sending this delegation to your office today.”

The University said it will investigate the union’s claims and then take the appropriate action.

“Because this matter involves employees of the University, the Law School will work closely with the University’s labor relations staff to insure a thorough review in accordance with the applicable union contract and University policy,” said Robb London, a spokesperson for the Law School.

Mays said that Local 615 and workers felt that sending an unannounced delegation to the Law School was the best way to assure that they were heard.

“Setting up meetings, that takes a really long time,” Mays said. “And if people don’t want to deal with you, they’ll shove you to the side. With a group like this, though, you are very likely to get noticed.”

Workers said that conditions have gotten to a point where they dread coming to work.

“It’s really gotten rough,” said Sergio Dueñas, one of the organizers of the event and a Law School custodial worker. “We want a change.”

Workers said they were disappointed that Minow was not in her office, but added that they felt the visit still had value.

“It was the right thing to do,” said Wayne, a custodial worker in the Law School who did not want to disclose his last name. “I think it was definitely worth it.”

Mays said that although the delegation did not meet with Minow this time, they will continue their effort to address unsatisfactory working conditions.

“We told them they have to get back to us in 10 days,” Mays said. “Sometimes it takes these places a while to realize that we won’t just go away. If they don’t respond, we’ll be back.”

—Staff writer Mercer R. Cook can be reached at mcook@college.harvard.edu.