To update the Notre Dame community concerning the treatment of Huddle employees on football Saturdays:
Last May, 41 out of 43 Huddle employees presented a petition requesting that they receive time-and-a-half pay on football Saturdays. They also requested that the University abide by a strict schedule of one 15-minute break every four hours. Huddle employees often work 11- to 13-hour days on football weekends with endless lines all day. These long hours and difficult working conditions put employees' health at risk and prevent them from being with their families on the weekend. University President Father John Jenkins, Executive Vice President John Affleck-Graves and Associate Vice President of Human Resources Robert McQuade received the petition more than five months ago. They still have not responded to this request from their employees.
Nonetheless, the situation has improved. Several employees have commented that the break schedule is now strictly enforced. They also have noted that their supervisors are treating them with more respect and are more attentive to the issues that they face everyday in the workplace. To this, I would like to commend the managerial staff for the improvements that they have made and ask that they continue to show their workers the respect they deserve.
At the same time, no one from the administration has addressed the issue of compensation for Huddle employees on football Saturdays. It is unacceptable for University employees to wait more than five months for a response from their employer. If we are to uphold the mission statement of this University and "develop a disciplined sensibility to the poverty, injustice, and oppression that burden so many lives," then we must begin with those in our own community who feel unjustly treated.
To the University officials named here, I hope that a response is forthcoming.
To the employees of our University, the situation has begun to change in the Huddle because a small group of employees decided to act. If you want change, you must act as well.
Stuart Mora
senior
off campus
Oct. 18
