Investigation underway, we are not finished

In the last two weeks, two meetings have taken place with the Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, the Director of Custodial Services for Aramark, the Director of Facilities, the Office of Marketing and Communications, and the Equal Opportunity Office from the University of Denver. At the first meeting on Thursday, May 21st, they announced that an internal investigation was underway of the allegations brought forth. Day and night-time rounds were being conducted to observe working conditions and ask workers for feedback. Members of our group had been asked to join the investigation process to help assist the process (although this invitation was later taken back). We had also been invited to group meetings with the custodial staff to help inform them about the investigation that is taking place and that they should not be afraid to voice concerns (this invitation also was not followed through with). The Office of Equal Opportunity also stated that they would be sending a representative to these meetings to explain the investigative process to staff (we are unsure if this has happened). The administration promised to work with the union to translate the contract with workers into Spanish so that they are more informed about their rights. A second meeting took place on Monday, June 2nd, which was only confirmed the morning of that day. This important to note because the lack of timely communication, or communication in general is something we see as a deliberate barrier in preventing us from helping the staff members who are being subjected to these working conditions. At this meeting, the administration announced that there would be an "assessment" by a third-party which would be "more than just" an investigation, but an overall review of the facilities operations. Our concern with this process is that it might gloss over the specific issues that are of concern and result in a report highlighting how "efficient" Aramark is and highlight only the voices of those employees who are satisfied. In this meeting, the invitation for our group to take part in the investigation was revoked. The administration's reasoning is that they want to "empower" the employees to voice their own concerns/grievances and the like. We as a group are also working with the union to file formal grievances to help address specific issues that have been going on. The administration has emphasized that this will be a long process and that action cannot be taken without substantive evidence. We have also emphasized that we will not stop denouncing DU until these issues are addressed. We thank everyone for their continued support. Please keep spreading word about these issues until they are resolved.