To: Patrick D. Gallagher, Chancellor, University of Pittsburgh

Stand with Pitt workers. Pitt can do better.

One of your first acts as Pitt chancellor was to hire a new football coach who will be paid millions. Your next act should be to ensure that the people who keep our campus clean and safe receive the same fair wage increases as our highest paid administrators.

Pitt service workers aren’t asking to get rich. They are simply asking for a good contract that allows them to afford health care and other cost of living expenses.

They are members of the Pitt community and are an important part of the student experience.

I stand with the hard-working men and women who make Pitt run. I want you to settle a fair contract now and match the wage increases you gave top administrators.

Pitt workers and students deserve better.

Why is this important?

The cleaners, groundskeepers and other property service workers who keep Pitt clean and safe are in the middle of negotiating a new Union contract.

The Pitt service workers are asking for reasonable wage increases to ensure that everyone who works at the University earns a living wage that keeps pace with the rising cost of health insurance, groceries, rent and education.

Pitt would not work without these men and women. Imagine the Hillman Library piled high with trash, with weeds growing over the Cathedral and rodents scurrying through the Student Union. Pitt service workers work hard every day to keep the facilities clean and safe. They are part of the Pitt community and deserve family-sustaining wages and affordable benefits.

Pitt is a great university with healthy enrollment and top-notch academics that makes our region proud—and stronger. Pitt is thriving and was recently able to raise wages for its top administrators by 3.7%-7%. Pitt has done a lot to provide good jobs to Pittsburghers, but they can do more.

Fast food workers, security officers and other low-wage workers all over Pittsburgh are coming together and fighting for good jobs. Pitt has an opportunity to raise up Pittsburgh by ensuring that their employees can continue to support their families and their community.
Please take a minute to stand with Pitt workers who are fighting for a better future. Tell Chancellor Patrick D. Gallagher that Pitt can do better.