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ULV should protect all employees

Despite a change in university level management, efforts spearheaded by University of La Verne students to improve working conditions for the Sodexho Marriott workers seem to be doing little good.

The University has an obligation to live up to the ideals put forth in its Mission Statement. So far, in the case of the Marriott employees, it seems as if the University has done little for these workers.

The first time that concerns were brought to the attention of some of the faculty at the University was last May. Students, as well as President Stephen Morgan and Brian Worley, director of facilities management, met with Marriott’s regional director Thomas Marotta, and plans were made to improve the conditions under which Marriott employees work. Even after all of the time that has elapsed since then, little seems to have improved.

In addition to improved working conditions, there was also an effort by students to ensure that there would be no retaliation against employees who voiced some of their concerns from the beginning.

A four-step plan was sent to the University, outlining Marriott’s acknowledgment of the problem. Among the promises were changes in management, bonus plans and a continued investigation into the accusations.

In the plan, however, there appears to be some glaring omissions. The management at Marriott refuses to provide more affordable health care for the workers. Another proposed change was a raise for employees. The final issue denied was a change in the overtime wage.

More than half of last year’s staff was fired or let go after these concerns were raised, and some things have changed. Marriott, through its actions, has made it clear that it does not like its employees to speak out about what they might deem unfair employment practices.

The changes that are being implemented by Marriott management are superficial. So, there is new management at La Verne. Does that mean that the workloads have decreased for workers? Does that mean that the employees will make more money per hour to help support their families? No, it does not. The employees are instead offered subjective bonuses, increased workloads and more responsibility.

The University’s Coalition for Diversity recently met with Marriott officials to discuss further concerns. This is a good step for the University, as it shows that the University feels a commitment to better conditions for Marriott workers. But, as of now, there seem to be no plans to change anything else, at least as far as Marriott is concerned.

ULV, in its Mission Statement, states that “The University affirms a philosophy of life that actively supports the health of the planet and its people. The University therefore encourages students to become reflective about personal, professional and societal values in light of this affirmation.” It is time for the University to take an active role in investigating Marriott. Marriott’s workers are very much an integral part of the campus and should be treated with respect. They should not fear retaliation for voicing valid concerns and should be given respect for the courage they show in their vocalization, just as a student would for voicing concerns about the University or any of its employees. The reality might be that Marriott as a corporation does not suit the best interest of the University of La Verne.

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Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.

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