UTRGV: Custodians organize for staffing, training to address mumps outbreak

[MAY 2019] In recent years, administrators at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley had been gradually reducing the number of custodial workers responsible for cleaning campus buildings. With every staffing cut, the workload just got bigger and bigger for remaining staff. Finally, custodial employees started organizing and joining TSEU to push back. The understaffing issues came to a head when several cases of the mumps were reported on campus. The mumps is a highly contagious disease that can be prevented from spreading by the regular cleaning of infected surfaces. More custodial staff would result in better cleaning and better prevention. Union members organized a rally and generated media attention to pressure the administration. Within days of the action, campus officials responded by promising to hire 8 new custodians, provide infection control training, and offer free vaccinations to employees at the university health clinic. Although administrators have come through on the training and vaccinations, they have yet to fill the eight promised positions. UTRGV members are now working to make sure administrators follow through on the promised staffing.