UNC releases report on housekeeping

A report released Thursday by a consulting group charged with examining the culture of UNC’s Housekeeping Services outlines more than 45 recommendations for change in a department riddled with allegations of harassment and discrimination.

The investigation, which began in March, was conducted by PRM Consulting Group. The results prompted an announcement from Chancellor Holden Thorp of immediate actions the University will take to address the report’s findings.

“We have been working to fix these problems, but those sincere attempts have fallen short,” Thorp said in an email to University faculty and staff Thursday.

Thorp said in the email that the University has developed an action plan incorporating many of PRM’s ideas and others.

Thorp outlined several steps the University will take immediately. Chief among these is the establishment of an advisory committee composed of housekeeping employees who will offer input on progress and offer recommendations.

Thorp also called for an evaluation of housekeeping salary data to discern if there is unacceptable pay discrepancy, as well as for follow-up investigations of reports of alleged harassment or discrimination, among other actions.

Thorp said a complete list of actions will be posted online in the near future. The University is not bound to follow any of PRM’s recommendations.

“It appears management in the (housekeeping department) has deviated from UNC’s practices and protocols,” the report reads.

After many employee accounts of workplace problems were reported to the administration, Thorp announced the University’s contracting of PRM Consulting Group in mid-March.

The group took four months to complete the investigation, interviewing virtually every one of the Housekeeping Services’ more than 400 employees.

Brenda Malone, vice chancellor for human resources, said UNC’s choice to use an external organization demonstrates its dedication to fairness.

“What PRM has given us is a body of ideas and concepts,” Malone said.

Housekeeper James Holman said some doubt remains among employees regarding the extent to which the University will implement substantial changes.

“Our biggest concern is that the managers that are in place are not going to change unless they’re forced to,” he said.

Housekeeper George James said he has been openly discriminated against in his time at UNC.

“It was almost like I had to prove my worthiness as a human,” he said. But James said he is still supportive of the University.

“We’re trying to heal the department from within without hurting people or property,” he said.

“And I think this is a good step forward.”

James said the recommendation for a committee of housekeepers is key.

“I thought it was fabulous,” he said. “I’m hopeful. I’m optimistic.”

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