Ithaca College

As the result of an ongoing dispute involving the primary contractor on the Athletics and Events Center and a Rochester-based union, there will likely be an informational leafleting campaign by members of the local trades council at the entrances to campus and around town during opening weekend, August 22–24.

It is important for the campus community to know and understand that this dispute does not involve Ithaca College employees, but rather the workers used by subcontractors of Pike Construction.

Ithaca College has every confidence in Pike Construction. When considering bids on the A&E Center project, our due diligence showed that they treat labor fairly and use substantial numbers of local and union workers. The College has a responsibility to use funds being spent on the project -- whether they come from donors or the operating budget -- in a fiscally prudent manner. This building reflects our commitment not only to our students, faculty, and staff but also to the wider community that will benefit from the opportunity to use this facility.

The Office of Public Safety, in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, will be on hand to maintain order and to ensure the free flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic on campus and at campus entrances. If anyone encounters a problem, they should contact public safety at 607-274-3333.

I wanted members of the campus community to be aware of this situation, in particular, so that they might be able to answer any questions that come from our guests this weekend. I thank you for your understanding and patience during this process.