Pitt workers says he was denied coat, cited

The snow from the President’s Day blizzard has melted, but the ramifications for Pitt… The snow from the President’s Day blizzard has melted, but the ramifications for Pitt custodian James Shaner has just begun. He was suspended for refusing to shovel the snow outside of Posvar Hall at 4 a.m.

Shaner, a third shift custodial worker inside Posvar Hall, was asked by his supervisor to shovel snow. The temperature outside was 20 degrees with 55 mph wind gusts. He was not wearing suitable clothing to protect him from the rough weather, so Shaner said he asked his supervisor for a warmer winter jacket and boots.

Tom Hoffman, spokesperson for the Service Employees International Union, said Pitt’s contract specified protective clothing be supplied to its employees and that Pitt should be prepared for emergencies such as a snowstorm. He said the contract requires the University to supply protective equipment to employees who work outside in harsh weather conditions.

Protective equipment is supplied to the grounds crew for outdoor maintenance, such as coats and boots, and janitors are supplied with rubber gloves for cleaning with chemicals.

Shaner said when he reported to the first floor entrance as asked, his supervisor told him which area to clear of snow. He said he then asked again for the jacket and boots but his supervisor did not reply.

Shaner, a 19-year veteran, said he was never asked to work outside before this incident.

“I refused to go out there, because I felt it wasn’t safe for me to be outside without the required protective coat and boots,” Shaner said.

He said he was written up for insubordination after his shift for refusing to shovel the snow. On March 4, Shaner was presented with a letter telling him he was suspended for the work day without pay.

The SEIU has filed a grievance on behalf of Shaner with the University’s office of Labor Relations and a response is expected on March 21.

The University’s Office of Labor Relations could not be reached and the Office of Human Resources had no comment.