We, the undersigned members of the University of Virginia community, are deeply concerned about the recent unjust termination of Maximo de la Trinidad, a valued custodial staff member. Maximo's dedication and hard work have been evident to all who have interacted with him, yet he was unfairly dismissed despite facing insurmountable challenges in his work environment.
Maximo tirelessly worked long hours, often spanning from early morning to late evening, to ensure the cleanliness and safety of our facilities. However, his efforts were hindered by a lack of resources and support, including broken equipment and insufficient supplies. He was forced to clean and reuse vacuum bags, leading to nosebleeds due to prolonged exposure to dust. Despite his repeated pleas for assistance, Maximo was left to bear the burden of an overwhelming workload.
His termination, citing inadequate performance, is a grave injustice that cannot be overlooked. We refuse to accept a system that prioritizes profit over the welfare of its employees, especially those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to uphold the standards of our community.
This petition calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Maximo's dismissal and demands accountability from those responsible for his unfair treatment. Furthermore, we urge the Facilities Management Custodial Services and School Administration to take immediate action to address this issue that led to Maximo's termination and to ensure that all custodial staff members are provided with the support, resources, and respect they deserve.
By signing this petition, we stand in solidarity with Maximo and all custodial staff members, advocating for justice, fairness, and dignity in the workplace. Together, we can create a safer, more equitable environment for everyone in our community.

Below is an email template of who to contact about this matter, please spread the word:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19o0l625gin6qM3FG7oOCMNIsq2iFthx9v3AiVt2Yg78/edit