Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Activism in Action

Last week large white letters scribbled in chalk, shouting “DeGioia, Card Check Now,” graced the red bricks of the ICC. The artists – or advocates, rather – were members of the Georgetown Solidarity Committee, the association that organized the Living Wage Coalition’s hunger strike last arch. Rachel Murray (SFS ’07), one of the leading organizers of the Living Wage Coalition and an advocate for workers’ rights on campus, explained why she’s involved in this high-profile group.

Why did you become involved with the Living Wage Coalition?

In November of my freshman year I went on a trip with Georgetown Solidarity Committee to Miami for a protest at Fort Benning, Ga. It was on this trip that I learned about the living wage campaign. I felt GSC would be a beneficial group in which I could continue the activism that I did in high school.

What demands does the GSC currently have to the administration?

At the beginning of the fall semester, we realized the workers were still not making a living wage. They were still working two or three jobs to support their families. The administration counts sick days and vacation pay as part of the total compensation, but these are not part of a living wage [as outlined by the GSC]. Also, the administration did not agree to the card check neutrality policy, but we have continued to demand this from them. Card check is a democratic way to recognize a union. This is what workers and students are fighting for: a union that empowers workers to speak up for themselves.

What role did you take in the Living Wage hunger strike last March?

Although I was not an actual hunger striker, I spent the past two years making sure that we were prepared for an action if needed. During the hunger strike I was a student member of the Advisory Committee on Business Practices. This committee – comprised of administrators, students, workers and faculty – essentially laid the groundwork which created a living wage policy. Because working with this committee required so much time and energy on the students’ part, I decided to stay in the best physical and mental condition.

What interaction have you had with the employees that you support? How do they feel about your advocacy?

I have relationships with workers who clean our buildings at night under the subcontractor P&R Enterprises. They feel empowered by the fact that students are supporting them in their fight for better wages and unionization.

In your opinion, how has the administration responded to your requests?

We see concrete efforts from the administration through action by GSC, and later by the Living Wage Coalition. When we pressure them by public action, they must respond to the community, and most times they respond by actually making concrete steps, or committing to make them.

How do you respond to students who believe the Living Wage Coalition is the reason for the [recent 6 percent] tuition increase?

If you look at the history of college tuition, it increases every year. I feel that tuition increases are not the fault of the living wage. If you look at administrators’ salaries that rise every year, there is a huge gap between what they make and what the lowest-paid worker at Georgetown is making.

At what point will the Living Wage Coalition feel satisfied and no longer feel the need to exist? What demands must the administration meet?

The Living Wage Coalition will always need to exist. The Living Wage Coalition is fighting for a living wage for all campus workers. Even after that goal is reached, the coalition needs to exist. . We always need to strive to challenge power structures that put people at the bottom. We will always need to promote links that make the Georgetown community a better place.

– Interview by Katherine Boyle

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