Dirty laundry

Fair working conditions are needed

Performing a laundry service for the University is a difficult job. For tedious work, workers receive little appreciation or money. However, Van Dyne Crotty, Inc., a Toledo, Ohio based company that performs laundering services for the University Hospitals and dining halls, has shown itself to be an especially poor place to work. If Van Dyne Crotty has its say, workers won't be able to collectively bargain with the company. The University cannot allow its associated workers to be treated in this fashion. After reviewing the recent history of the company, the University should join with Students Organizing for Labor and Economic Equality and insist that the Van Dyne Crotty recognize the workers union or risk termination of its contract with the University.

It is easy to ignore the plight of these workers. They are in another state and are making more than the minimum wage. However, utilizing workers who make well below a living wage gives the University a black eye. University officials and students should be ashamed of the workers' situation.

Even worse, Van Dyne Crotty has violated its employees' rights. Since June 1997, The National Labor Relations Board has officially recognized the right of the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees as the official union of the company. But according to NLRB documents, the company has refused since April to bargain with UNITE. Along with their refusal to bargain in good faith, Van Dyne Crotty hasn't had a contract with its employees since June 2000.

The University has little moral choice but to step in and insist on fair labor conditions. Like the Toledo School Board, which has also terminated its contract with Van Dyne Crotty, the University should demonstrate its determination to accept services only with companies meeting accepted labor laws. The employees are doing all of the manual labor, therefore they should be allowed to bargain collectively and have quality working conditions. If Van Dyne Crotty won't fulfill their legal obligations, the University should no longer deal with this company. That would send the needed message.

The University is widely recognized as a leader among educational institutions. By setting a firm example in labor and human rights issues, other universities will follow. The most effective way to show the University cares about workers' rights is for the University to follow SOLE's advice and force Van Dyne Crotty, Inc. to deal with UNITE in good faith.