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More than 400 South Florida workers fighting to organize a union may lose their jobs. About 70 percent of janitors and groundskeepers employed by the contractor UNICCO at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) voted in favor of unionizing with SEIU.

Less than two hours later, Nova President Ray Ferrero announced the end of UNICCO Service Co.’s cleaning contract. The contract is now up for new bids.

Wanda Rodrigues has been an NSU custodian for 11 years. ‘’Mr. Ferrero doesn’t want the union,’’ she told the Miami Herald. “It’s the best way for him to get rid of the workers in a legal way, a nice way.’’ Rodrigues is a mother of two. She makes $7.69 an hour with no health care coverage.

After a nine-week strike, UNICCO workers at the University of Miami recently won higher wages and the right to organize with SEIU. The union is in the midst of a multi-year effort to organize thousands more security guards, janitors, housekeepers, valets, and front desk workers.

Tell President NSU Ray Ferrero that his decision to cut contracts with UNICCO must be reversed. Demand that he welcome the worker’s new union. Call 954-262-7575 or email president@nsu.nova.edu.

Expiration Date:
Fri, 12/01/2006 - 12:00am