Aramark stays neutral (Dining services workers go forward with unionization)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.loyolaphoenix.com/2.541/news/aramark-stays-neutral-1.1768113

By Tahera Rahman

News Writer

Published: Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Loyola dining workers rejoiced on Nov. 2 after they received news that their employer, Aramark, agreed to recognize a workers' union if a majority expresses interest in joining.

Aramark has also agreed to remain neutral throughout the workers' decision-making process.

http://www.loyolaphoenix.com/polopoly_fs/1.1768116!/image/537310394.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_240/537310394.jpg
The Phoenix/Michael Berry

Aramark has agreed to remain neutral as workers for Loyola dining services forge forward with unionizing.


Unite Here — the local union that workers have consulted during their mobilization efforts and are considering joining — delivered the news during a meeting with Loyola's worker organizing committee, which consists of about 20 workers who helped mobilize their coworkers for the unionization cause.

"People were crying ," said senior Danielle Wisnasky, 21-year-old biology major and student worker who is part of the organizing committee. "We're proud of ourselves for being able to set this up."

Workers have cited problems such as disrespect from managers, low wages and being overworked and understaffed as reasons for their interest in unionizing.

Aramark is the Philadelphia-based company hired by Loyola to run the university's cafeterias and markets.

Kyle Schafer, a union organizer with Unite Here, said the agreement to stay neutral guarantees workers a fair process free from harassment or intimidation during the time it takes workers to make the decision of whether or not they want to unionize.

FULL story at link.