Union alleges Barnard College terminated pregnant custodian to bypass maternity leave payment

Barnard College, a prestigious women's college in New York City, is currently under scrutiny following allegations of laying off an eight-month pregnant employee, Shakira Zahiruddin, in a manner that appears to circumvent maternity leave and violate union agreements and federal law.

On August 26, Zahiruddin, a custodian at Barnard, received an email notification of her termination. According to Zahiruddin, the dismissal was not due to poor performance but because of her pregnancy. The college, however, prides itself on being a fair and respectful workplace and fully complies with all employment laws, including those for pregnant employees, according to a Barnard College spokesperson.

The layoffs at Barnard were part of a one-time, college-wide restructuring to reflect Barnard's evolving operational needs, affecting about 77 full-time positions, including some held by union employees. However, the union, Local 264, claims that Barnard skipped over a male employee with less time on the job than Zahiruddin in her layoff.

Under the collective bargaining agreement, layoffs must be conducted by seniority, according to the union. The union, led by President Joseph Rose, has filed a grievance contesting the layoff and will go through Barnard's human resources department. If the human resources department rules against Zahiruddin, the case will go to an independent arbitrator.

If rehired this month, Zahiruddin would be treated as a probationary worker, earning a lower hourly wage and without eligibility for paid maternity leave. Any recently bumped union employee moving into a role with the same classification will not be on probation, and would be eligible for maternity leave, according to a source close to the layoff proceedings at Barnard.

The college currently has four open custodian positions, according to the source. Barnard has remained silent and has not given any answers regarding Zahiruddin's layoff. The union claims Barnard offered Zahiruddin a vacant custodial position on the 3-11 p.m. shift, with no guarantee of employment.

Local 264 President Joseph Rose claims Barnard's decision was "union-busting" and "tyrannical." Rose asserts that the college's actions are a blatant disregard for the rights of its employees and the agreement between the college and the union. The search results do not provide the name of the person accused of dismissing Zahiruddin, leaving many questions unanswered.

Zahiruddin's termination left her without income, health coverage, or benefits for herself and her family. The layoffs have caused a stir within the Barnard community, with many expressing concern and support for Zahiruddin and calling for transparency and fairness from the college. The case is currently under investigation, and Barnard College faces a potential public relations crisis.