Support the rights of our Sodexo workers at Clark University by sticking it to the man-John Bassett himself. Join Clark Unite! on Thursday, April 1st: WALK OUT of your class at 11:30 (if you feel comfortable, bien sur), RALLY at 12:00, and skip for the rest of the day for fun, FOOD, guest speakers, live music (Harry and the Potters, anyone?) and a general awesome time, while still supporting a great cause. Let's all come together and show the administration that challenging convention and changing our world takes ACTION!
Harry And The Potters
http://www.myspace.com/harryandthepotters
The Motel Matches
http://www.myspace.com/themotelmatches
More TBA
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Labor Rights Denied: Clark UNITE!'s dialogue with Clark U. Administration
The Clark administration is a key point of leverage for Clark UNITE! - students, alumni, and staff who are organizing in solidarity with food service workers considering the option of unionization under the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 615. The administration answers to students, alumni, and staff who are all stakeholders in this university, as well as dictates the terms of its contract with Sodexo, with whom food services are subcontracted out to. Clark's administration can amend the current contract with Sodexo, threaten Sodexo with contract non-renewal, and demand that labor rights be respected and enforced.
Bassett, Angel, and Collins rejected all four of our demands. Those demands, which appeared on our petition, are again:
Nearly eight weeks later after being notified of the intimidation of labor at Clark, and leading Clark UNITE! to believe that they would take action, the administration claimed that neutrality would "limit Sodexo's right to free speech." They felt there was no need for preferential rehire because there have not been any problems yet (before the issue of unionization could be a point of discrimination). Administration felt it was more important to foster a culture of "trust" and "respect" with Sodexo management. And committed to only investigating individual cases when they occur, repeatedly saying "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it."
The only culture being fostered at Clark University is a culture of rampant classism. One worker was told by Sodexo management in front of Clark students, that if that employee wanted a better wage she should "go to college and get a better job." That is an example of why, though employees say wages and benefits are not adequate, that employees seeking unionization say what they want most is respect in the workplace. Clark Administration has expressed the same classism with their disregard for labor rights and denial of workers' agency.
Our demands must be met by the end of the semester. Food service employees are laid-off during months in which classes are not in session. Normally employees are invited back to work when classes resume, however pro-union employees are already having their hours cut while Sodexo is hiring new employees. Losing hours has huge consequences when you are providing for your family. It can be expected based on this behavior that Sodexo may not rehire employees who are practicing their right to organize by being vocally pro-union unless there is policy, and an enforcement thereof, by the Clark administration.
Here is a very real opportunity in which Clark can "change our world" by providing dignified employment. And administration is being antagonistic towards it.
Clark UNITE! has attempted to engage the administration in dialogue about the urgency of labor rights on our Clark campus, only to have those concerns fall on deaf ears. On January 29th, Clark UNITE! first sent a letter to the administration after hearing about a coercive and deceptive anti-union meeting. That letter is available on our blog.
That anti-union meeting was led by three Sodexo higher-ups from Sodexo corporate. At that meeting two Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs) were committed, that are currently being processed by National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) courts established by the 1935 National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The first ULP was telling employees that once they signed union petitions they were “signing themselves away.” The second ULP was telling employees that after they negotiated for a union that they would be making less money than before because of union dues. When unionization is negotiated with an employer, employees often negotiate for a pay raise as well. Why would anyone negotiate a contract in which they were making less money? These are two examples of false information that are protected against by law, keep in mind a law that was written in 1935 and does not reflect a shift towards a service economy. That anti-union meeting is part of a larger campaign of intimidating workers, such as reprimanding individuals, supposedly for excessive bathroom breaks, when employees are vocal about being pro-union.
The administration did not respond to Clark UNITE! until February 11th, two weeks later. After a very public rally in support of worker’s rights on February 28th, the administration agreed to meet with Clark UNITE! spokespeople to hear our demands. Several UNITE!-ers met with Executive Vice President James Collins, President John Bassett, and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs David Angel. At that meeting on March 4th administration was ostensibly receptive to our concerns and made a verbal commitment to labor rights and to a process of adopting a Labor Code of Conduct. Clark UNITE! was promised a prompt response, but after several more weeks without hearing anything, Clark UNITE! became increasingly concerned that labor issues would not be resolved before the end of the semester. Clark UNITE! asked administration for a second meeting by presenting them with our petition of over 1,000 Clark students and alumni, over 40 student groups, and 78 faculty members. That second meeting was to go over some of the language in our proposed Labor Code of Conduct, as the Clark administration requested, and to go over the response the administration was going to take to the pressing issue. At our second meeting on March 24th, again with with Bassett, Angel, and Collins, the administration reneged on their previous commitment to labor rights, reneged on their responsibility to all stakeholders of this university, and reneged on Clark's motto of "Challenge Convention, Change Our World."
Bassett, Angel, and Collins rejected all four of our demands. Those demands, which appeared on our petition, are again:
1) Clark University will immediately enforce a campus-wide policy of neutrality concerning the process of unionization to be followed by all of its subcontractors. This includes the right to recall for current employees, guaranteeing them preferential rehire whenever classes resume.
2) Clark University will tangibly support the process of unionization in the most expedient and fair manner for all university and subcontracted employees that desire union representation.
3) Clark University will enact Clark Unite!'s proposed Labor Code of Conduct for Clark University in a timely manner through the appropriate administrative channels.
4) No resources controlled by Clark University, financial or otherwise, will go towards supporting anti-union activities.
Nearly eight weeks later after being notified of the intimidation of labor at Clark, and leading Clark UNITE! to believe that they would take action, the administration claimed that neutrality would "limit Sodexo's right to free speech." They felt there was no need for preferential rehire because there have not been any problems yet (before the issue of unionization could be a point of discrimination). Administration felt it was more important to foster a culture of "trust" and "respect" with Sodexo management. And committed to only investigating individual cases when they occur, repeatedly saying "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it."
The only culture being fostered at Clark University is a culture of rampant classism. One worker was told by Sodexo management in front of Clark students, that if that employee wanted a better wage she should "go to college and get a better job." That is an example of why, though employees say wages and benefits are not adequate, that employees seeking unionization say what they want most is respect in the workplace. Clark Administration has expressed the same classism with their disregard for labor rights and denial of workers' agency.
Our demands must be met by the end of the semester. Food service employees are laid-off during months in which classes are not in session. Normally employees are invited back to work when classes resume, however pro-union employees are already having their hours cut while Sodexo is hiring new employees. Losing hours has huge consequences when you are providing for your family. It can be expected based on this behavior that Sodexo may not rehire employees who are practicing their right to organize by being vocally pro-union unless there is policy, and an enforcement thereof, by the Clark administration.
Here is a very real opportunity in which Clark can "change our world" by providing dignified employment. And administration is being antagonistic towards it.
Pres. Bassett Denies Labor Rights at Clark
It had been nearly eight weeks since Clark University's President Bassett learned of Sodexo’s illegal and immoral treatment of their employees at Clark. Finally, his response to Clark Unite! this past Wednesday, March 24th in a private meeting with four students was refusal to even acknowledge (much less act on) the situation of grave injustice.
These remarks on the part of the University’s highest administrator are unsettling considering recent events. Workers who prepare and serve food at the Higgins Café, The Bistro, and Jazzman’s Café and Bakery are facing serious intimidation and discrimination as they organize to seek union recognition from their employer, Sodexo, Inc. The intimidation includes several illegal Unfair Labor Practices, such as forcing workers to attend mandatory meetings under false pretenses where managers provided false anti-union information. Clark Unite! believes that at Clark no one should have their legal right to join a union violated. Even more, the group believes that the University should be better than the law, and publicly guarantee that this is a safe place for democratic union drives.
Bassett, Provost Angel and Vice President for Business Jim Collins (who also attended the meeting) were totally opposed to doing anything to respond to Clark Unite!’s demands, and sided with Sodexo management’s version of the truth. The three men’s initial statement in the meeting on Wednesday was that they felt we all had essentially the same values. This attempt at harmony was destroyed when the administration admitted that they are only willing to hear about working conditions from Sodexo management, not workers. They are only interested in investigating specific problems and worker complaints on an individual basis and as isolated events.
President Bassett expressed his belief that neutrality would limit Sodexo's corporate right to free speech. What is more, he claimed to not have clear evidence from us ("4 students and
1 or 2 faculty") that workers were being intimidated, and that they could believe Sodexo management's reports about the feelings and conditions of the workers. In reality, over 1,000 clark students and alumni and 78 faculty members have signed a petition calling on Bassett to declare support for workers’ right to join a union free of intimidation and harassment. On top of that support on behalf of individuals, the Clark University Student Council has endorsed Clark Unite!’s proposals, as well as over 40 other student groups and associations. How can Bassett completely disregard the opinions of those who make up his University?
Bassett and his two colleagues refused to take a stance on preferential rehire, a crucial policy that could guarantee Sodexo workers’ jobs regardless of whether they are pro- or anti- union. Their reasoning was that because there had never been a problem expressed to them about it in the past, they saw no reason to publicly demand anything of Sodexo.
They ignored the fact that many workers feel that their jobs will be (or already are) at risk if they speak out about the union. Some workers' jobs already are (one worker has had her hours cut and had to take a night job at the same time Sodexo made new hires). Targeted retaliation against workers who support unionization is entirely unfair and undemocratic.
Clark UNITE! is a group of Clark students, faculty, staff, and alumni committed to organizing around issues of social and economic justice. We work to promote equal access to dignified employment, worker's rights to organize, and the fair distribution of resources. We support Clark Sodexo food service workers' right to organize for better working conditions. They have the right to do so without intimidation. We value their service to the Clark community.
Clark Unite! will continue to advocate the University administration for freedom and democracy for campus workers. Bassett’s response falls shockingly and disappointingly short of the commitment the University supposedly has made to the community. Sodexo is also employing anti-union tactics that current law allows, but that are a direct contradiction to Clark’s values and commitment to community. Clark must address all of these issues in order to maintain its position as a leader in social responsibility.
These remarks on the part of the University’s highest administrator are unsettling considering recent events. Workers who prepare and serve food at the Higgins Café, The Bistro, and Jazzman’s Café and Bakery are facing serious intimidation and discrimination as they organize to seek union recognition from their employer, Sodexo, Inc. The intimidation includes several illegal Unfair Labor Practices, such as forcing workers to attend mandatory meetings under false pretenses where managers provided false anti-union information. Clark Unite! believes that at Clark no one should have their legal right to join a union violated. Even more, the group believes that the University should be better than the law, and publicly guarantee that this is a safe place for democratic union drives.
Bassett, Provost Angel and Vice President for Business Jim Collins (who also attended the meeting) were totally opposed to doing anything to respond to Clark Unite!’s demands, and sided with Sodexo management’s version of the truth. The three men’s initial statement in the meeting on Wednesday was that they felt we all had essentially the same values. This attempt at harmony was destroyed when the administration admitted that they are only willing to hear about working conditions from Sodexo management, not workers. They are only interested in investigating specific problems and worker complaints on an individual basis and as isolated events.
President Bassett expressed his belief that neutrality would limit Sodexo's corporate right to free speech. What is more, he claimed to not have clear evidence from us ("4 students and
1 or 2 faculty") that workers were being intimidated, and that they could believe Sodexo management's reports about the feelings and conditions of the workers. In reality, over 1,000 clark students and alumni and 78 faculty members have signed a petition calling on Bassett to declare support for workers’ right to join a union free of intimidation and harassment. On top of that support on behalf of individuals, the Clark University Student Council has endorsed Clark Unite!’s proposals, as well as over 40 other student groups and associations. How can Bassett completely disregard the opinions of those who make up his University?
Bassett and his two colleagues refused to take a stance on preferential rehire, a crucial policy that could guarantee Sodexo workers’ jobs regardless of whether they are pro- or anti- union. Their reasoning was that because there had never been a problem expressed to them about it in the past, they saw no reason to publicly demand anything of Sodexo.
They ignored the fact that many workers feel that their jobs will be (or already are) at risk if they speak out about the union. Some workers' jobs already are (one worker has had her hours cut and had to take a night job at the same time Sodexo made new hires). Targeted retaliation against workers who support unionization is entirely unfair and undemocratic.
Clark UNITE! is a group of Clark students, faculty, staff, and alumni committed to organizing around issues of social and economic justice. We work to promote equal access to dignified employment, worker's rights to organize, and the fair distribution of resources. We support Clark Sodexo food service workers' right to organize for better working conditions. They have the right to do so without intimidation. We value their service to the Clark community.
Clark Unite! will continue to advocate the University administration for freedom and democracy for campus workers. Bassett’s response falls shockingly and disappointingly short of the commitment the University supposedly has made to the community. Sodexo is also employing anti-union tactics that current law allows, but that are a direct contradiction to Clark’s values and commitment to community. Clark must address all of these issues in order to maintain its position as a leader in social responsibility.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Clark University Student Council Shows Support
Student Council Endorsement:
We, the members of the Clark Undergraduate Student Council, formally accept and endorse the contents of the attached proposal for a Clark University Labor Code of Conduct. This policy is an affirmation of inherent rights that all institutions must responsibly protect and uphold. The cornerstone of Clark University is our commitment to fostering community; an environment based on acceptance, solidarity, and social consciousness. Students are united through this central value of inclusion. With this endorsement let it be known that all who share this campus are members of our community. Regardless of one’s status as a student, faculty or staff member, administrator, manager, or campus worker, all are entitled to the same level of respect. Often taken for granted is the fact that campus workers are members of the Clark community. They are entitled to the same sense of dignity and open environment that all enjoy. When questions of unionization arise it is the responsibility of the entire Clark community to reinforce fundamental rights and make known that intimidation, harassment, and discrimination by any party will not be accepted. Ultimately the final decision is to be decided by the workers and the workers alone. As students we must stand behind these principles. Failure to recognize these basic values is a violation that affects the entire Clark community.
We, the members of the Clark Undergraduate Student Council, formally accept and endorse the contents of the attached proposal for a Clark University Labor Code of Conduct. This policy is an affirmation of inherent rights that all institutions must responsibly protect and uphold. The cornerstone of Clark University is our commitment to fostering community; an environment based on acceptance, solidarity, and social consciousness. Students are united through this central value of inclusion. With this endorsement let it be known that all who share this campus are members of our community. Regardless of one’s status as a student, faculty or staff member, administrator, manager, or campus worker, all are entitled to the same level of respect. Often taken for granted is the fact that campus workers are members of the Clark community. They are entitled to the same sense of dignity and open environment that all enjoy. When questions of unionization arise it is the responsibility of the entire Clark community to reinforce fundamental rights and make known that intimidation, harassment, and discrimination by any party will not be accepted. Ultimately the final decision is to be decided by the workers and the workers alone. As students we must stand behind these principles. Failure to recognize these basic values is a violation that affects the entire Clark community.
The Clark Undergraduate Student Council urges the University administration to immediately affirm the contents of the attached proposal for a Clark University Labor Code of Conduct. Acceptance of this policy is an assertion of the mutual regard we have for one another on this campus.
Advisory Committee Addendum:
As Clark University Student Council, we endorse preferential rehire for any employee at Clark University that is seasonally laid off. Preferential rehire ensures that any worker that wants to return to work after summer break is entitled to a job before any new worker is hired. Sodexo policy for higher educational institutions mandates that workers are laid off in May and asked to return to work in August when school begins again. There is the potential for discrimination against pro-union workers in the rehiring process, and preferential rehire would address this possibility.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Nearly 200 rally Sunday for workers' rights
Yesterday, nearly 200 community members, local labor unions, Sodexo workers, and Clark students and faculty rallied in support of food service workers' right to organize for better working conditions. Photos by Hannah Kay.
Students wore purple in solidarity with the workers' struggle for fair treatment and democratic freedom to join a union.
Alex Westervelt and Celina Grisi represented the student group Clark Unite! by demanding that President Bassett come forward with a public statement of neutrality.
The students met in Red Square and marched to Crystal Pond to meet the workers, who are currently not allowed on campus outside of their shift hours.
THE WORKERS AND STUDENTS WILL ALWAYS STAND UNITED!
Chanting and marching.
Alex expressed the students' support for workers.
Worcester Mayor Joe O'Brien, a huge friend of organized labor, spoke in support of the freedom to join a union.
State Representative Jim O'Day, a card carrying union member, reminded us that we have support in the state legislature.
Students wore purple in solidarity with the workers' struggle for fair treatment and democratic freedom to join a union.
Alex Westervelt and Celina Grisi represented the student group Clark Unite! by demanding that President Bassett come forward with a public statement of neutrality.
The students met in Red Square and marched to Crystal Pond to meet the workers, who are currently not allowed on campus outside of their shift hours.
THE WORKERS AND STUDENTS WILL ALWAYS STAND UNITED!
Chanting and marching.
Alex expressed the students' support for workers.
Worcester Mayor Joe O'Brien, a huge friend of organized labor, spoke in support of the freedom to join a union.
State Representative Jim O'Day, a card carrying union member, reminded us that we have support in the state legislature.
Worcester T&G covers Sunday's protest
Clark dining hall workers protest lack of ‘respect’
Mayor, other politicians back union effort
WORCESTER — Clark University workers who say they receive low wages and little respect at their jobs in the university dining hall rallied yesterday at University Park with scores of other labor supporters, demanding better treatment.
The workers say their employer, Sodexo — which is the world’s 22nd largest employer — is opposing their petition to unionize and fight for better wages and benefits. But Sodexo, which provides dining services through a contract with Clark, says it supports employees’ right to unionize.
Read more...
WORCESTER — Clark University workers who say they receive low wages and little respect at their jobs in the university dining hall rallied yesterday at University Park with scores of other labor supporters, demanding better treatment.
The workers say their employer, Sodexo — which is the world’s 22nd largest employer — is opposing their petition to unionize and fight for better wages and benefits. But Sodexo, which provides dining services through a contract with Clark, says it supports employees’ right to unionize.
Read more...
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