MU labor protests continue amid COVID-19 budget cuts
COLUMBIA Mo. (KMIZ)
Labor organizations plan to continue protests on Wednesday supporting custodial workers at the University of Missouri.
MU leaders said Friday they decided not to outsource landscaping workers. According to a news release, proposals submitted by outside vendors would not provide the cost savings the university seeks as COVID-19 continues to drop its revenue.
MU is still considering outsourcing bids for custodial services.
July 1 marks the start of MU's new fiscal year and protesters said they are trying to get a response from leaders.
Organization leaders said in a news release the custodial workers and their union have not received any communications from the UM System or MU administration regarding their jobs.
Their demands are for the system to:
- Bargain in good faith with the union, Laborers Local 955.
- Bargain all future cuts with the labor union.
- Stop all attempts to outsource the jobs.
The same group was out in front of Jesse Hall last week sporting shirts that said "not afraid." The group says they plan not to be disruptive after the head of university operations said anyone involved in disruptive protests could face discipline.
The university has been looking at ways to cut costs amid budget cuts and loss of funding because of COVID-19.
MU's faculty council voted to oppose the outsourcing of jobs.
