The recent news of a spike in disciplinary action for housekeepers sitting down on the job has shed a negative and unwarranted light on how the University treats its workers. The break policy for housekeepers is reasonable and humane, and it is not unfair to insist that all workers adhere to that policy.
The conflict began at the end of the summer when seven housekeepers were suspended and one temporary worker was fired for taking unauthorized breaks while on the job. Five of the suspensions were expunged, and the two workers who were originally suspended without pay were reimbursed.
Yet about a dozen housekeepers felt compelled to assemble at Foster’s Market on Aug. 25 to protest for a more lenient break policy.
Housekeepers at UNC play a vital role in keeping the University buildings safe and clean for faculty and students to use. Housekeepers are given three breaks a day — two 15-minute breaks and a one-hour lunch break. If workers need additional breaks throughout the day, they must contact their supervisors for permission.
The policy is very clear as to what actions are taken when a housekeeper decides to defy the rules. Housekeepers found sitting down without permission get a verbal warning for the first infraction, a written warning for the second infraction and then a formal report for the third infraction.
Many students feel the need to rush to the support of University employees, as demonstrated last year when Angela Vargas (also known as Miss Angie) was fired from Rams Head Dining Hall on Dec. 8 for “unacceptable personal conduct” after arriving late to work the previous day. There were petitions, protests and even a Facebook group begging Aramark Corp. and UNC to rehire the beloved cafeteria worker.
With the housekeepers, however, there is no question that there was wrong-doing.
When workers decide to sit on the job, it is blatant misconduct and consequences are carried out. The housekeepers who were recently suspended should have known what they did was misconduct, and that they were taking a risk by sitting down.
Actions have consequences, and the consequences are clear and fair.
