Recently, an AFSCME-represented bus driver was assaulted when he asked that three young people wear masks.  After being denied boarding, the teens proceeded to throw objects at the bus and damaged it.  When the driver reported the incident, management first tried to blame him and said that no one should be denied boarding if they are not wearing a mask.  Management also threatened the driver with disciplinary action. Not only did UMD's position on this violate the Governor's order on mask usage, it was wrongheaded and put workers and riders in danger.

A de-densified campus only protects workers if it stays that way.  That's why AFSCME is questioning the Provost's plan to require staffing for all academic units.  For months large portions of the workforce have been able to work remotely - and successfully.  Even more important are the childcare and homeschooling problems workers still face; how can they report and fullfill their responsibilities to their children?

AFSCME continues to demand bargaining over these issues.

Several AFSCME members were interviewed for this Washington Post story, including one of our RF housekeepers who was hospitalized with COVID-19. This is precisely why are we are fighting for more testing, better screening, and maximum PPE.

Read the full story here:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/housekeepers-and-custodia...