Tulane University is the largest contractor of UGL Unicco employees in New Orleans, and full-time workers do not receive benefits or healthcare. Employees are hired for janitorial services in the academic and residential buildings on campus.
Routine cleaning includes moping, sweeping, cleaning bathrooms and taking out trash.
"We do mostly everything," Unicco janitor Betty Roussell said. "We just basically keep it clean, and if we can't take care of it, we call out a supervisor."
Independent janitors hired directly by Tulane often handle specialized services.
A majority of the custodial staff works at least 40 hours per week, but Unicco does not provide benefits such as health or dental insurance.
Roussel has only worked for Unicco for one year and already complains about the lack of benefits.
"This is the first job I've ever had where you don't get benefits," Roussell said. "At the hospital I used to work for, [medical, dental and eye care] insurance were all offered."
Warehouseman Gerald Ford explained that they do not get any kind of benefits, "not even a sick day."
Unicco's attendance policy is controversial among employees.
"Three non-excused absences, and you'll be terminated," one Unicco employee said. "There used to be a seven-minute grace period [for clocking in and out], but not anymore."
Recently, Unicco administrators promised Tulane improved janitorial standards to fix dormitories year around, so workers in residence halls had their weekends staggered.
"Since you can't conduct business on weekends, if you have to do something you have to take off and miss a day," one Unicco employee said. "If you miss a day, you don't get paid."
Many wonder about Tulane's stance on the lack of benefits.
"I think that Tulane should request to have benefits provided separately [for its employees]," one Unicco worker said.
Both Unicco supervisors and Tulane officials were unavailable for comment on this issue, and many Unicco workers wished to remain anonymous for fear of negative professional repercussions.
"It is hard to clean up after all these people," Unicco janitor Maria Montemayor said. "And it is hard to get one or two days off.
Numerous Unicco workers explained how many are unsatisfied with the conditions.
"I just told my friend today that I'm thinking about leaving," one Unicco custodian said.
2008 Woodie Awards
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Tulanian
posted 3/21/08 @ 11:27 AM CST
Glad you have some actual news here. Unbelievable what Tulane will do to save a couple bucks. Now I understand why they are so rude and talk on their phones 8 hours a day. (Continued…)
Payroll Outsourcing Company
posted 10/01/08 @ 5:26 AM CST
It's getting harder and harder to accept this kind of news, it looks like not everybody actually gets the benefits of living in a modern society. Those workers need more attention and of course more respect. (Continued…)
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