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Personnel Problems

LABOR

By Laurence S. Grafstein

While the University may have counted its pennies carefully deciding to transfer one custodial worker from each upperclass House to the Business School, it didn't count on vocal opposition to the move-from students, union officials, and some House masters.

The new plan-designed to save $160,000 for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences-will transfer weekend crew chiefs to Monday-to-Friday shifts, and force the Houses to cut back on weekend cleaning.

William H. Bossert, master of Lowell House, became so incensed when he heard of the move that he decided to put forward a proposal of his own. Next week he will submit a position paper to Joe B. Wyatt, vice president for administration, detailing observations and recommendations and backing up his case with "a brief photographic essay."

"One entry of Lowell House looks like a slum," Bossert said this week.

Union officials representing the custodial workers did not respond immediately to the new arrangement, saying they needed time to consider its consequences.

And in Eliot House, students circulated a petition protesting the transfer of Henry Slonina, a popular custodial worker who will have to cross the river because of lack of seniority.

University officials predictably kept quiet. Paul Smith, manager of custodial services, said, "I don't like to talk about such things," and refused to comment further.

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