Yes, they are serious.

Badger Herald columnist Jason Smathers set off a mini-media firestorm when he printed allegations of mistreatment of illegal workers at Memorial Union.

Smathers alleged that "approximately 25-30 illegal immigrants are employed at both Memorial Union and Union South as third-shift custodians."  According to Union Communications Director, "In reality, there are only 13 employees total working third shift between both Memorial Union and Union South — all of whom are in full compliance with state hiring procedures. "

Smathers also reports "Nearly everything left unfinished by the legal workers — bathroom cleaning, snow shoveling, stair and floor cleaning — was assigned to the illegal immigrants, sometimes extending past normal hours without overtime pay."  However, no union workers receive overtime pay, it is union policy.  And what other tasks are there to do besides these mentioned as left for the illegal workers to complete?

Noble attempt to bring justice, or was Smathers chomping at the bit to live up to his "Muckraker" title, sans thorough detail investigation?  Too early to tell.

Either way, hopefully the matter is thoroughly investigated and any wrong-doing is brought to light.