CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — Clarion University recently ended a nearly 35-year relationship with Goodwill Industries for custodial service of auxiliary buildings and will now use in-house custodial services.
The approximate annual cost of the Unique Source (Goodwill) contract was $891,000.00 and will cost an estimated $800,000.00 for the university to perform the same work, according to David Love, director of marketing and communications at Clarion University.
“Clarion University transitioned from the contracted custodial services to in-house custodial services to improve operational efficiencies,” said Love. “Having a fully in-house custodial staff gives us the flexibility to move custodians across campus to address needs. Also, bringing the services in-house is a model that is more cost-efficient.”
Information about the new positions was posted and individuals working for Unique Source could apply before it was externally advertised.
“Applicants were not guaranteed a position, but would be interviewed and considered before the information being advertised externally,” said Love. “A total of 12 individuals employed by the contractor, Unique Source, applied and were interviewed. Eight of the 12 individuals were hired by the university.”
Unique Source, a provider of products manufactured and services performed by professionals with disabilities, is headquartered in Harrisburg.
The new employees will be represented by AFSCME, but most of the positions are part-time. Students can apply for the jobs, but part-time workers will not be eligible for the tuition waiver. Wages received by Unique Source were reportedly minimum wage.
The original agreement between the AFSCME bargaining unit and the university for the contracting out of the auxiliary services area custodial work was signed on October 30, 1981.
All auxiliary buildings and Carrier Hall were included in the 1981 agreement; however, Chartwells, the food service vendor, is responsible for cleaning in facilities under its direction.
“All positions not filled by Unique Source employees are available to qualified applicants,” said Love. “If a student of the University applies for a custodial service position, he/she is considered in the same manner as all other applicants. This is not unique to these positions. Students of the University may apply for any open position and are considered in the same manner as other applicants. The only restriction is that an individual may not work as a university employee and as a student worker simultaneously.”
The estimated $800,000.00 for the first year of the operation includes initial set up costs regarding equipment that will be needed to perform the work. Love anticipated that number would be the same or lower in future years since equipment cost while recurring, should not be an annual recurring replacement.
