One civil act: union breaking
As AU enters its yearly reflection on what it means to be civil, I think it is worth a few minutes to talk about the people that often make or break our days at AU: the indispensable and talented shuttle operators who make sure we get to AU or to the Metro on time.
As The Eagle previously reported, these talented people are seeking to form a union. The university, however, has engaged in a behavior that can only be categorized as "union breaking." Civil behavior must be more than saying "please," "thank you" and avoiding curse words. It must also respect the dignity of other people and the labor that they are performing. I am confused as to why AU felt we had to hire an outside law firm to squash organizing efforts, particularly when we have five superbly talented lawyers on AU's payroll. It would seem that if we, as a campus, wanted to say that we are a civil society, we would stop this legal action, remove the laughable pretense of "equality and fairness" that we have spun and let the shuttle operators unionize.
I disagree with the concept of unions most of the time, as they reduce competition and often bring high performers to the level of the lowest performing ones. Other times, unions exploit their workers and encourage them to vote against issues that they should be voting for (Social Security reform, anyone?). One needs to only look at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to see the devastating budget and performance effects of unionization. However, think about the logical consequences if we allowed our shuttle drivers to unionize:
1) More retained staff. If we allow our bus drivers to unionize, they will have increased wages and benefits. When people make more money and have more benefits, they will tend to stay with their employer. This means that we will have fewer and fewer shuttle operators leaving AU, which will mean reduced time for basic training, processing paperwork and hiring new shuttle drivers.
2) Safer shuttle rides. By bringing in a union, we will also bring in new rules and regulations on the amount of time one operator can drive a shuttle, what standards of behavior are acceptable (maybe no more phone calls while driving?) and possibly with less time on basic training, maybe more advanced training will be available.
3) More positive feelings about the university. By partnering with the shuttle operators instead of opposing them, AU could increase the general level of satisfaction among their employees and make it more likely that they would contribute toward AU's fundraising campaigns and other special initiatives. Perhaps they could even help retire the costs AU incurred by trying to smash the union.
4) Showing dignity for human labor. If we allowed AU shuttle operators the opportunity to unionize, we would be proclaiming that we found all types of human labor to be worthy of dignity. If our little plot of land in the Northwest treated our workers with dignity, who knows what the effect would be elsewhere? "Think globally, act locally" isn't just a catchy phrase: it's a good idea.
As we enter this week of civil behavior, don't just wear a button. Go out and do something truly civil: Support our shuttle operators in their quest for the dignity of labor.
PW Brusoe
Alumnus of the School of Public Affairs
Washington Semester students ignored
Before arriving at American University, I was enthralled to be in the Washington Semester program. I had heard such great things about the program. Although I agree that the curriculum, my professor and the students I am learning with have been amazing, the administration at this college has been nothing but a constant disappointment. Having studied at a different university for two years has given me the notion that the administration of a college should be there for the students. Students should not have to maneuver through a maze of impossible offices never to get any results.
Let me be a bit more specific. Before arriving for the Washington Semester, I was never sent a paper bill; neither were any other students I have encountered. Unfortunately, because of the lack of communication between American University, my home school and myself, I was overcharged almost $3,000, which I am still trying to get back from my home institution. Two other Washington Semester students I have spoken to were billed twice.
And the problems continue. Upon arriving in my forced triple on the Tenley Campus (even though I was told there are no forced triples at American University), I realized that there were only two sets of furniture in my room. At one point, we were told we would have to share. Surprisingly, I am not a fan of spooning with someone I just met. Anyway, it took almost five hours for someone to set up a faulty bed and tell my roommates and me that one of us would have to move out. The entire situation would have been a non-issue had the university done a thorough check of the rooms before students arrived.
Now, my roommate is currently sleeping on a bed that is missing nuts and bolts and is likely to collapse any day. Why didn't we submit a 2Fix request, you ask? Well, on Aug. 27, we did submit one and a person has yet to come by. Ironically, it says that someone is "actively" working on the request.
On top of all of this, I have become acutely aware that it is generally impossible to contact the vast majority of the administration. Leaving a message does not do any good because returned calls are a rarity. I have waited for someone to pick up the 2Fix line for over 20 minutes multiple times. Even worse, bronchitis is going around the Tenley Campus, and many students cannot get in touch with the Student Health Center to make an appointment. Given our strict schedules, walk-ins are not feasible.
I am not saying that I hate American University. I feel incredibly blessed to be studying under an amazing and inspirational professor. I also realize that the students who I am surrounded by are intelligent and personable, which is why the issues that are so prevalent with the administration are absolutely mindboggling. How does American University attract and retain students? The administration needs to reassess the way it functions and responds to issues regarding the needs of students and professors. You are here to serve us and should start doing so.
Sarah Naumes Junior, Washington Semester Program
