Custodial Staff Enters Third Day of Strike
Photo Courtesy of Lily Dettle

Custodial Staff Enters Third Day of Strike

The university’s Academic Custodial Work Unit has disbanded and is participating in an active strike until their demands are properly met.

For several months custodial staff has filed many complaints about their overwhelming duties and lack of resources. The staff believes that two shifts is not enough time to complete all their assigned duties.

Steve Edseth, Academic Custodial Supervisor and conspirator of the ongoing strike, said, “We clean it one moment and turn our backs just to do it again.”

Edseth blames many students’ uncleanliness on their busy schedules.

“There’s no way we can clean effectively with the time and manpower given,” Edseth said.

Custodial staff on campus works in two shifts from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily and on weekends.

Edseth demands adding a shift, hiring two new employees and constructing a seminar on cleanliness for students.

He said, “We receive regular training on cleaning, the students should be aware as well.”

Academic Custodial Program Manager Tammy Larson has been working with Chancellor Bernie Patterson to meet the demands of the staff and bring them back to work. Larson claims she is not taking sides, but will stand by her staff if it comes to it.

“Chancellor Patterson and I are doing the best we can to ensure the school’s health and clean environment,” Larson said.

Many staff have reported in the past that the green-friendly products don’t work as well, so in order for the campus to remain clean they must work twice as hard.

Other than Larson, the other custodial staff member to not go on strike is Academic Custodial Lead, Todd Reiss.

He said, “I’m protecting the campus when I do my job and that’s what I plan on doing.”

Reiss went on to quote The Rolling Stones “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” lyrics saying, “I got what I need.”

Patterson refused to make a strong position, but said, “It’s not easy to do the work they do and they are missed.”

Patterson has attempted to pick up the staffs duties in his office but has had trouble allocating the dumpsters. He has been reported regularly bringing his offices’ trash home with him.

While Edseth strongly holds his position, Reiss counters that kids are messy and they smell and that’s never going to change. Edseth and Reiss, who have been long time friends, are no longer on speaking terms.

The organized strike enters its third day of withholding services and students are starting to notice.

Taylor Pruyne, junior biology major, said, “I hadn’t understood the gratification I have towards the custodial staff.”

Pruyne refuses to use building faculties until the staff returns.

Patterson and Larson are working on an agreement with staff so that they can return to work as soon as possible.

Paige Rudick

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