Tufts Workers Protest Lockouts, Support Unions

SOMERVILLE-The series of recent labor disputes at area universities continued Wednesday, as about 75 Tufts University custodial workers and local residents gathered in Powderhouse Square to protest a lockout of union members that began more than a month ago.

The lockout affected 110 members of Local 245, who are all employees of UNICCO, a state-wide cleaning contractor.

They were told not to return to work after their employer's contract with Tufts expired on July 30.

Last academic year, UNICCO won several Harvard contracts.

Although the custodians have not worked since the contract expired, rally organizers refused to admit defeat last week.

"Unions, regardless of their size, are not going to be walked on," said Kevin Tarpley, a community organizer supporting the striking workers.

This summer's lockout began when the UNICCO contract expired and the new contractor, International Service System(ISS) took over.

A firm that boasts accounts throughout Europe and North America, ISS was picked by the university because of" cost savings," said Tufts Vice President of Operations John Roberto.

But at last week's rally many local officials insisted that the university should think of more than the bottom line when signing contracts.

"Nobody requires you to take the lowest possible bidder," said Somerville Mayor Mike Capuano.

"They don't go out an find the cheapest professor they can buy," he said.

At Harvard, custodial contracts are signed by individual schools and departments which have the option of purchasing Harvard's own Facilities Maintenance Operation (FMO) or hiring an outside contractor.

Last year FMO workers gained attention when they signed a new contract with the University which set pay for new university workers below that of student dorm crew workers.

Many students were also displeased last year when some long-time house custodial workers were replaced with lower paid UNICCO workers.

Although labor issues have soured Harvard's relations with the City of Cambridge in the past, Capuano claimed that Somerville's relationship with Tufts is worse.

"Harvard at least gives Cambridge money. Tufts gives us nothing," he said. "We'd just like them to understand that they're located in a working class community.

But at last week's rally many local officials insisted that the university should think of more than the bottom line when signing contracts.

"Nobody requires you to take the lowest possible bidder," said Somerville Mayor Mike Capuano.

"They don't go out an find the cheapest professor they can buy," he said.

At Harvard, custodial contracts are signed by individual schools and departments which have the option of purchasing Harvard's own Facilities Maintenance Operation (FMO) or hiring an outside contractor.

Last year FMO workers gained attention when they signed a new contract with the University which set pay for new university workers below that of student dorm crew workers.

Many students were also displeased last year when some long-time house custodial workers were replaced with lower paid UNICCO workers.

Although labor issues have soured Harvard's relations with the City of Cambridge in the past, Capuano claimed that Somerville's relationship with Tufts is worse.

"Harvard at least gives Cambridge money. Tufts gives us nothing," he said. "We'd just like them to understand that they're located in a working class community.