The ongoing wages dispute between Tufts University and its janitorial staff was among several issues addressed at the most recent regular meeting of the Somerville Board of Alderman.

By Amy Swain

The Board of Alderman held its regular meeting last Wednesday, October 26. The meeting was unusually brief, but not lacking in important discussion.

The opener was a resolution submitted by almost the entire board, and supported by the rest, in support of the Tufts University janitorial staff. The staff has complained about unfair wages and staff cuts for more than a year, with no real resolution. Ward 1 Alderman McLaughlin voiced frustration: “The last time around there was some success. They didn’t lay off as many people as they planned. But the people that are working there now are working twice as hard for the same amount or less money. It’s a problem all around the country with major institutions bleeding their people dry, and taking away from people who need the most.”

Alderman at Large Sullivan added “Some people would say ‘Why are we taking up with Tufts University? It has nothing to do with local government.’ But I would submit that this is a social justice issue. Tufts preaches social justice then turns their back on these workers. It’s unacceptable.” A copy of the resolution submitted will be sent to the President of Tufts University in hopes of progress.

Several requests involving resident parking were discussed, both with the hopes of making residential parking more accessible. McLaughlin submitted a request that the Director of Traffic and Parking consider limiting parking relief for properties that request it. “I understand their desire to make it more pedestrian friendly, and easier for development but I do think this needs to be thought about before rather than after decisions are made.”

Ward 2 Alderman Heuston requested an explanation of business parking permits on residential streets that remain in effect from 5:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. “I understand businesses need parking. But when a person who lives on that street gets home at six or so, they should be able to park on their street. I want it explained, and I will be advocating against those hours.”

Heuston also requested the support of the board in inviting Cambridge’s Traffic and Parking Director to appear at and discuss traffic changes in Inman Square that will inevitably affect neighborhoods of Somerville, specifically Ward 2. There was no notice given to Somerville government, but it is now known that beginning November 3 traffic rerouting will take effect. It will be considered an experiment for 120 days. “That’s four months, in winter, at the very least, on top of everything else we have to deal with,” said Heuston. “We are told that studies were done, but I want to know if that includes impact on neighboring cities.” The board is hoping Cambridge will respond in a timely manner.

Perhaps the most impassioned discussion of the evening centered around outstanding issues with Teen Empowerment. The program has been part of Somerville for eleven years, and the system seems to have faltered this year. Alderman at Large Connolly brought this issue to attention, and Alderman at Large Rossetti echoed his irritation; “The contract that was supposed to be effective July 1 wasn’t received until mid-October, and it had new changes and clauses in it. So now they’re having to backpedal to hold to the contract. Meanwhile, another contract is due in January. It’s not fair, it’s not right, it’s not how anyone should do business. And these are leaders of the youth community.”

Rossetti also requested that the administration publicize the upcoming health conference Airport Impacts – Perspectives on Environmental Health, happening Saturday, November 5 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at New Partners Health Care Facility at Assembly Row. The session will feature some of the world’s foremost experts on airport impact on environmental health, as well as environmental health scientists, bringing them together with policy leaders and interested citizens.