MEDFORD, Mass. ― Tufts University students on a hunger strike over janitor layoffs completed their third full day without food Wednesday, expressing growing frustration at the university’s lack of response to their demands.
The Tufts Labor Coalition, a student group, wants the university to halt plans to lay off about 35 janitors in June until union contract negotiations begin next spring. The dispute has been simmering for months, with students holding rallies, demonstrations and sit-ins.
The students say they’re striking because the janitors’ contract prohibits them from going on strike.
Sophomore David Ferrandiz, supporting the hunger strikers at a tent city set up next to the university’s main administration building, said the university “has ignored everything else we’ve done.”
“This physical occupation serves as an active reminder that they can’t hide from this,” he said. “There are lives on the line. With this hunger strike, people’s bodies are being physically deteriorated with each passing hour.”
The university, located north of Boston, has said it supports the students’ right to protest but said the staff cuts will help control tuition costs and focus more resources to educational initiatives.
Protesters and administrators met Tuesday and Wednesday without reaching a resolution. University spokeswoman Kimberly Thurler said the sides plan to reconvene within the next day or so.
