The University of Florida has announced plans to move 80% of
custodial staff to the graveyard shift, a move that will adversely affect
hundreds of predominantly African-American women starting at under $12,800
per year. It would disrupt their child care, transportation, and
sleep patterns, as well as their second jobs; put a severe strain on marriages
and families; and place female workers in empty buildings in the middle
of the night. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend
against permanent night shift due to its health effects (e.g., fatigue,
isolation, gastrointestinal disorders, accidents). Night shift was
tried about 20 years ago and quickly abandoned due to energy costs, absenteeism,
and theft.
Top 10 Management Lies About the Night Shift
Flyer
Petition
Recommendations from Faculty Senate to
Physical Plant
WUFT-FM Commentary by Ralph Lowenstein, Dean
Emeritus of the UF College of Journalism and Communications
Plain Language About
Shiftwork (CDC)
Biological
Rhythms: Implications for Workers (OTA)