University of Maryland News

May 13, 2011

UMD Statement on Students' Concerns About Daycon, Inc.

University of Maryland officials and students met in the Main Administration building on Friday, May 13th, to discuss the university's relationship with Daycon Products Company, Inc. and Daycon's labor dispute with Teamsters Local No. 639. The university employs Daycon for services and supplies on campus.

Today was the most recent in a series of discussions involving very complex labor and contractual issues. The ongoing dialogue has included several meetings with the president, legal counsel, and members of his senior leadership team. It follows many steps that have already been taken by the Administration, including inviting Daycon to an open forum to address student issues, which took place on campus Thursday evening. The university had previously sent letters to Daycon affirming its strong desire to work with a company that is socially responsible.

Following today's discussion, where students aired their concerns about Daycon, administrators agreed to meet on Tuesday to work through whether or not the university will renew its contract with Daycon. The University intends to reach a final decision on the Daycon contract renewal issue by next Friday.

Maryland embraces socially responsible student activism and engagement, and is always willing to discuss issues of concern under circumstances that permit a respectful and civil exchange of information and perspectives.