As we strive to keep our battles in perspective after the election, it is imperative that we recognize Wesleyan staff being demeaned as an important issue. The work done by students in the English as a Second Language program (ESL) and the United Student Labor Action Coalition (USLAC) to assist campus custodial workers file a complaint against their supervisor should thus be loudly applauded. Their actions demonstrated the ability Wesleyan students have to make an impact on local issues that effect more than ourselves.
Though the mission statements of ESL and USLAC are vastly different, their cooperation on this issue was crucial. ESL tutors provided communication between USLAC and the campus workers, most of whom do not speak English. USLAC was then better able to understand the situation and explain to the workers their privileges as union members. This is not the first time USLAC has reached out to campus workers; they were instrumental in the fight against using points off-campus a year ago.
Most students care about the well being and rights of campus workers. By addressing their complaints, students are now recognized by custodial workers as an effective outlet for communicating with the Administration and the union. As the University group with whom custodial workers interact most often, it is important for students to continue to actively provide this conduit of communication.
Organizations like USLAC and ESL are crucial in maintaining a link between our community and the world beyond High Street. Thanks to a happy coincidence, these dissimilar groups were able to channel their energy and produce results. Congratulations to USLAC and ESL for recognizing an important issue. Hopefully, this trend of extra-campus activism will continue.
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