University Custodians to Receive Pay During Shutdown

The University of Chicago has announced all services workers—including custodians, security, and foodservice workers—contracted by the school will continue to receive pay through the spring quarter.

The school’s facilities shut down early last week as part of a shelter-in-place order issued by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. Casey Cook, University of Chicago’s associate vice president for human resources, stated that all noncontract, temporary, and seasonal staff employees, as well as unionized staff members, will receive additional paid time off for use in work disruptions. According to The Chicago Maroon, employees will be eligible for up to six weeks, based upon regularly scheduled hours, of additional paid time off that can be used for all reasons related to COVID-19 during the university’s spring quarter.