The Transport Worker Union (TWU) representing custodians at Columbia University is planning to sue the school for its handling of anti-Israel protests where members were allegedly targeted by protesters who took over a campus building. TWU International President John Samuelsen expressed anger at Columbia for not protecting the workers during the occupation of Hamilton Hall. He described the protesters as “spoiled” and “bratty” for not allowing custodians to leave the building to go home to their families. The union is exploring legal action against the university and the protesters involved in the hostile takeover.
During the occupation of Hamilton Hall, the TWU workforce was reportedly fearful and unable to leave the building. The protesters allegedly told custodians that they were not allowed to leave because the cause was more important than their personal needs, leaving two custodians to fight their way out. The union is demanding the names of the protesters arrested, security footage of the takeover, and a meeting with Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to discuss steps to avoid placing workers in harm’s way in the future. The union is also seeking compensation for the custodians who were subjected to abuse during the protest.
The TWU Security Officer, an African-American woman, was able to leave the building before it was barricaded but was still verbally attacked by the protesters. Samuelsen emphasized the trauma experienced by the custodians and security officer who came to work to support their families but ended up being held against their will and subjected to abuse. He called on President Shafik to imagine being in the shoes of the workers who were victims of a crime due to the university’s failure to implement common sense protective measures.
Columbia University has not responded to inquiries about the incident involving the custodians and security officer being targeted during the anti-Israel protest. The union is taking action to hold the university accountable for its failure to protect its workers during the takeover of Hamilton Hall. The TWU believes that Columbia should have taken measures to ensure the safety of its employees and is seeking justice for the workers who were harmed during the protests. The union’s letter to President Shafik highlights the need for mitigation steps to prevent future incidents and compensation for the workers who were subjected to mistreatment.
