Drawing Lines
| RISD Workers Strike |
Dated April 11th, 2023.
All,
An email was sent out yesterday (4/10) inviting the architecture student body to meet in an open forum to discuss the General Teamsters Local 251 RISD Workers Strike. In conversations with senior custodial staff and the union’s business agent, students were encouraged to show support by occupying the BEB, producing models and scraps in studio, and continuing to accumulate waste as we work like hell on our diverse and incredible projects.
We stand united with the RISD Architecture faculty in their support of RISD’s movers, custodians, and grounds staff. It’s a powerful move for our faculty to commit to not entering the BEB; as students, it’s just as powerful and vital to make visible the labor of these union workers.
Those who attended the meeting today identified some actionable steps to demonstrate support for the strike. First, we strongly encourage everyone to gather and support our striking staff tomorrow at 11am at Prov-Wash. We will meet in front of the BEB at 11am and walk together to the demonstration. If you have class at that time, this will constitute a walk-out.
Secondly, we have decided to use the front windows of the BEB Gallery to showcase the Architecture Department’s statement of support for the strikers. We have collected whatever trash is left in the building and piled it high in the windows. We ask that you 1) please contribute any (dry, recyclable) scraps and paper waste to the piles, and 2) please do not remove the installation from the gallery.
We will continue to advocate for the essential role of our custodians who shape our community and our experience as students – not just for their services, but also for their friendship.
A few facts provided by Tony Suazo, the union’s assigned business agent:
There are 62 Custodial Employees working at RISD and participating in the strike
Across these 62 Custodians, average wages are ~$16/hour
In previous years leading up the strike, the majority of staff at RISD, including faculty, technicians, caterers, operators and administrators, have received modest wage increases; however, according to the assigned union business agent, custodians have not seen an increase in wages over the same period
The custodians of RISD are asking for ~$20/hour for any staff who have worked in their role for longer than 12 months
Beyond 12 months, the percentage wage increases requested would be tied to longevity in their respective roles
However, the union is less focused on long-term average increases. Instead, they are encouraging protesters to focus on the 12-month, $20/hour base rate for all custodial staff
It was noted that new custodial staff are being offered higher wages than existing custodial employees that have been working at RISD for more than 12 months
This unequal pay treatment that favors new hires over long-term staff should not stand, as it minimizes the commitment and effort shown by existing staff
The union has compromised with RISD by accepting university healthcare, pension, and retirement plans, backtracking on their request for union benefits. This means the primary point being argued is for an equitable base rate of pay for employees of at least 12 months of service.
Best,
Alex Grosek, Alex Croft, Jo Hernandez, Cath Wang, Naheyla Medina, Isabelle Troutman, Ryan R. Sotelo, Lily Gucfa, Kuem-Hee Rhee, Michael Yirenkyi, and Kristina Miesel
