Student Union Solidarity

UNCIL
PRO
Providence City Council
April 10, 2023
Crystal Williams
President, Rhode Island School of Design

20 Washington Place

Providence, RI 02903

Re: SUPPORT for the General Teamsters Local 251 RISD Workers Strike

Dear President Williams and Members of the RISD Board of Trustees,

On behalf of the Providence City Council, this letter is delivered to you to express support and solidarity with the striking workers of Local 251.

We urge you individually, as well as members of the University Board of Trustees, and other university administrators involved in the contract negotiations to come to the table in good faith and reach an agreement with the striking workers.

As representatives of the residents of Providence, we advocate for the fair treatment of workers throughout the city. Custodians, groundskeepers, and movers are an indispensable part of the university's operation, and they deserve to be treated with respect and paid a wage that promotes stability and wellbeing. Insisting on being paid a livable wage is not an excessive demand and we stand with these workers as they exercise their right to organize and strike.

For this reason, we believe it is our responsibility to strongly urge the university administration to engage in honest negotiations with the striking workers. RISD is a significant anchor institution in Providence which has an invaluable impact on the city's economy and culture. We believe that every staff member of RISD contributes to its mission and success as an institution.

Therefore, we ask that the lowest paid workers in the university, many of whom are Providence residents, be recognized and compensated fairly for their part in your institutional success.


Sincerely,

Rachel Miller
Council President Councilor Ward 13
Althea Graves Councilwoman - Ward 12
Shelley Peterson
Councilwoman - Ward 14
Miguel Sanchez
Majority Whip
Councilor Ward 6
James Taylor Majority Leader
Councilman Ward 8
Justin Roias
Councilor - Ward 4
Juan Pichardo
President Pro Tempore
Councilwoman - Ward 9
John Goncalves
Sr Deputy Majority Leader
Councilman - Ward 1
Sue AnderBois Councilor - Ward 3
Mary Kay Harris
Deputy Majority Leader Councilwoman - Ward 11