Workers Face Intimidation and Disrespect. Clark Community Rallies in Their Support!

WHEN: Sunday, February 28th at 11:30 am – 1 pm

WHERE: Crystal Park across from Clark University on Main St.

WHAT: Workers, Clark Unite! for Economic Justice, SEIU Local 615, Mayor Joe O'Brien, and other community members will rally to galvanize support for Clark Sodexo workers’ right to organize free of intimidation.

Sodexo, the company subcontracted by Clark University for food services, has been punishing pro-union workers, cutting hours while hiring new workers, cross-training to make workers expendable, conducting illegal surveillance of union meetings, and using other intimidation methods. The management utilizes systematic favoritism and many workers who have served this community for years still lack the wages and benefits necessary to meet their and their families’ most basic needs. One member of Clark Unite!, Elora Way says, “this is a direct contradiction to Clark’s values and commitment to community and we must address these issues.” Clark UNITE! has attempted to engage the university administration to address these concerns, but has so far been unsuccessful.

Sodexo employees are asking for a national Sodexo agreement to ensure livable wages, better conditions and and greater respect on the job. Sodexo is the world’s 22nd largest employer, with around 120,000 employees in North America. Last year, dispite huge profits, the company paid many of its workers poverty wages. Noemi Nunez, a Sodexo employed cashier at Clark University says, “even though we are struggling just to survive, the main thing is respect."

Clark UNITE! is a group of Clark students, faculty, staff, and alumni committed to organizing around issues of social and economic justice. The group demands that Sodexo maintain a policy of neutrality towards the organizing process and an expedient method of unionization democratically chosen by workers, such as card check or majority sign up. Clark UNITE! is also demanding a labor code of conduct to be adopted by Clark University.

Clark UNITE! works to promote equal access to dignified employment, worker's rights to organize, and the fair distribution of resources. The group supports Clark Sodexo food service workers' right to organize for better working conditions. We value their service to the Clark community.