SLAM campaigns for janitors

Tufts activists gathered yesterday to try to drum up support for an upcoming on-campus rally for janitors' rights.

Organizers of the Student Labor Action Movement (SLAM) encouraged passers-by on the Tisch Library patio to sign petitions and come to a protest on Friday.

The custodial union is currently in negotiations with OneSource, which holds the contract for all Tufts services. Tufts' contract with the janitors is also up for extension. Among SLAM's demands of OneSource is giving part-time workers health benefits along with sick and personal days for all workers.

Senior and SLAM member Ariana Flores (pictured) said the group was trying to expand awareness about issues facing the custodial staff. Yesterday, the group placed posters on the library steps that featured quotes from janitors describing problems they faced -- from lack of healthcare benefits or sick time.

The group also held Janitor Appreciation Day, where students could sign cards expressing thanks toward each residence hall's janitor. Flores said the effort was designed to ensure the custodial staff was considered part of the larger University community.

"Too often, our janitors are ignored," Flores said.

Friday's rally will be on the library steps from 3-5 p.m.

* Jon Schubin