Notes On Facilities Closures

GESTA received official notification from management that they plan to close the Greenbelt campus cafeterias, vending services, motor pool services, recreation center, and the Goddard visitor center on October 1st; the health unit sometime in October; and the gym on November 30th. GESTA has informed management of our intent to bargain on these closures. A huge thank you to everyone who came out to our Bargaining Brainstorm event on August 14th! During the event we were able to collect attendee’s concerns and suggestions for management and GESTA regarding the proposed closure of each facility.

If you missed the event or would like to provide additional inputs, please do so using this form. Near the end of the event we voted on which areas to focus our attention and brainstormed specific targets and  actions to take. As a result, volunteers have prepared  a petition for the visitor center, which is open to the public for signatures. GESTA also sent out a press release regarding the visitor center closure. Volunteers are drafting a memo to management regarding the regulations surrounding operating an on-site health unit and fitness center. Volunteers are also reaching out to GEWA to find out more about many of the facilities. GESTA has also requested a meeting with center management regarding the facilities closures. Another outcome is we are starting the tradition of Solidarity Lunches every Thursday to continue the conversation. Perhaps the most important thing coming out of this event is our collective commitment to solidarity and engagement in the long term.

We would also like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation and support for the employees who support these facilities. They work hard every day to keep our center healthy, fed, and connected! If you see any of them on campus, please thank them for their service to our community and express our solidarity with them during this time.