Molloy University Custodial Workers Vote To Authorize Strike: Union

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — Nearly four dozen custodians at Molloy University have voted to authorize a strike, the union 32BJ SEIU announced on Friday afternoon. Preparations are being made for a strike happening as early as next week, the union said.

The two sides last met on Nov. 25.

Custodians at the university have been working without a contract since it expired on Oct. 31, the union said.

"When someone is willing to give up pay before the holiday season because they feel so unseen, unheard and under-valued, that is no small thing, and should not be taken lightly," Lenore Friedlaender, Long Island Director for 32BJ SEIU, said in a statement. "The custodians love working at Molloy, they care about the students, the staff, the professors and the entire Molloy community, but deserve to be fairly compensated."

"Molloy continues to conduct good faith negotiations with 32 BJ. We look forward to a speedy resolution of this issue," said Jacquie Martin-Rath, Executive Director, Molloy University Marketing and Communications.

Ahead of the vote, the workers sent a letter to Molloy University President James Lentini, which said in part: "Ongoing issues regarding the terms and status of our contract have brought us to a crossroads."

The employees also pointed out that "many members of the custodial team must work two or more jobs simply to make ends meet."

Custodians at Molloy first organized into 32BJ SEIU in 2018.