Administration Denies Workers Entry to Campus, Promises Paid Leave

BY: AHMED REFAI
Follow @ahmedhrefai

AUC security has barred striking housekeeping workers from entering campus grounds today, deactivating their AUC ID cards, according to administration sources.

A memo sent out today to the striking workers, who have been protesting the administration’s decision to lay them off for the tenth day, stated: “please note that the University administration has decided to grant you a paid leave of absence starting today, July 26, until further notice.”

The University took no overt measures to remove workers who are already on campus, but has denied re-entry to those who have left the premises.

“Also note that your personal identification cards have been deactivated, and the transportation service has been discontinued throughout the duration of your leave,” the message added.

Sarah Magdy, from the office of human resources, confirmed the news to The Caravan but declined to comment.

“A full statement will be released shortly via News@AUC,” Deena Rashed from the office of media relations said, declining to add any further comments.

Over 100 workers are still congregated at the HUSS plaza. The workers have previously expressed their determination to continue the strike, ignoring several attempts made by the administration to mitigate.

“We’re here until we die,” Mahmoud El-Sayed Salah, a worker, told The Caravan.