The union representing janitors caught in the middle of a violent pro-Palestinian takeover of a Columbia University building is suing the school for failing to protect its workers. The union alleges that the university should have never put the janitors in danger and that the school's handling of the demonstrations was an "epic failure."
**Outrageous Disregard:** Columbia University Sued for Putting Janitors in Peril During Anti-Israel Mob Takeover
The Transport Workers Union (TWU), representing the custodians involved in the harrowing events of a pro-Hamas mob takeover at Columbia University, has filed a lawsuit against the institution for failing to protect its workers amidst the violent demonstrations.
TWU President John Samuelsen expressed outrage at Columbia's handling of the situation, stating that the university "should have never put the custodians or the security officer in that position." He accused the school of "an epic disregard" for the safety of its workforce.
Samuelsen criticized the university's knowledge of the potential risks of the protest and its failure to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of those working in the building. He asserted that Columbia's negligence put its workers in harm's way.
The lawsuit alleges that at least two custodians and one security guard were on shift on the night of April 30 when protesters stormed Hamilton Hall, an academic building on campus, shattering windows and barricading doors.
One of the janitors, recounting his experience after being allowed to leave the building, expressed fear and confusion: "How the hell am I going to get out of here now? You see the chaos… and you start hearing them and what they're doing, and you're like… this is a movie."
The chaos erupted after Columbia administrators began suspending students for refusing to leave their encampment on the university's campus, leading to an escalation of tensions.
Samuelsen described the actions of the protesters, who told the custodians they could not leave, as "outrageous" and an "affront to workers everywhere." He emphasized that the majority of protesters were non-violent, but the union was particularly incensed by the actions of those who held the janitors against their will.
The NYPD arrested 282 individuals involved in the takeover, with half being identified as outside agitators not affiliated with the university.
Samuelsen expressed outrage on behalf of all workers, stating that the university's failure to protect its staff was "appalling." He called for accountability and demanded that Columbia address this serious lapse in safeguarding the well-being of its employees.
The lawsuit seeks to hold Columbia University responsible for its negligence and to ensure that such a situation never occurs again. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting workers' rights and holding employers accountable for their actions.
