SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Facilities workers at Syracuse University are gearing up for a rally on Monday evening following the rejection of a contract offer from university management on August 12 by members of the SEIU Local200United. The union represents close to 900 Syracuse University employees, such as librarians, food service workers, and custodians, who felt that the proposed contract did not adequately address concerns related to inflation and the university’s financial resources. These workers believe that their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the university operational were not duly recognized by management.

The proposed four-year contract, which included a 3% raise, was turned down by union members who found it unfair considering Syracuse University’s substantial $1.85 billion endowment and the increased total enrollment costs for students. The rally will take place at 727 Comstock Avenue, a location that has sparked controversy between Syracuse University and the City of Syracuse due to the university’s plans to demolish an old fraternity house at the site for constructing dormitories, a move opposed by the city’s landmark preservation board and some members of the Syracuse Common Council.

In response to the situation, Sarah Scalese, a representative of Syracuse University, expressed disappointment at the contract rejection but emphasized the university’s commitment to continuing discussions with SEIU Local 200United with the aim of reaching an agreement that satisfies all parties involved.

While there is currently no definite plan for a strike by union members, the upcoming rally coincides with a strike by Cornell University employees in similar positions represented by the United Auto Workers union, which commenced last week and is ongoing.