The Right to Organize at Clark - One step Closer to Being Real!

Dear Clark Community,

Thank you to everyone who took a stand of solidarity with Sodexo workers. Today, we are thrilled to tell the Clark community that Sodexo workers on campus may no longer feel that they have to choose between voicing support for a union, or losing hours, a raise, or even a job.

Next week, Sodexo will notify its employees that all employees who are scheduled and working during the Spring 2010 semester, through May 23rd, will be rehired for the Fall 2010 semester. The fall schedules will be subject to Clark's enrollment being at or very close to this year's level, and the wording of this statement is being finalized now. Now workers know that they will get their jobs back.

Also, starting today, Sodexo will be distributing to its employees copies of President Bassett's statement to the Clark University Community dated April 6th 2010. This memo states that "no workers on the University campus will be subjected to harassment because of their membership or non-membership in a labor union or their activity in support of or derogation of union representation". This is a huge step toward ensuring the right to organize, and a victory for fair treatment of all workers.

The Clark administration has also agreed to a moderated dialogue regarding the Labor Code of Conduct, which would create a policy ensuring that all employees at Clark receive fair treatment and wages. And lastly, Clark has committed to finding an appropriate process for workers to communicate with the Clark administration about grievances they cannot bring to Sodexo management.

The fight is far from over. We know now that workers will keep their jobs, but there are no guarantees that they won't face hours being cut, intimidation, or other reprisals. We need to make sure Clark University adopts a Labor Code of Conduct which is meaningful and just, so that workers still have protection after they are re-hired in the fall. And, once they are rehired, we need to work to ensure that Sodexo remains neutral in workers' choice to unionize.

This has been a long and difficult process that has resulted in valuable lessons for Clark Unite! as a campus organizing group. We understand there are concerns with our past actions, and we do not take them lightly. We encourage your input. We can be reached at clark.unite.solidarity@gmail.com.

Now it is time to raise awareness about Clark's support and to keep the pressure on Sodexo by supporting workers at the Crystal Pond Park rally this Saturday April 17th at 11 am. The rally will be an opportunity to show Sodexo workers and Clark University that we are grateful for this huge step, but that we will stand behind all of the workers as they make demands for a just workplace. The workers and students will always be united.

In Solidarity,

Clark Unite!