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

Stand Against Aramark

Feb. 18 marked a landmark change in Georgetown’s involvement with Aramark, the corporation behind Leo’s, Hoya Court and most other food locations on campus, with employees and students rallying together for workers’ rights.

Aramark has gained a reputation both for poor payment of its workers and the poor quality of its food — notoriously, with the maggot-infested food provided to Michigan inmates.

Unfortunately, the situation of Aramark employees on Georgetown’s campus does not appear very different, with both union and non-union workers receiving treatment unbecoming of this university’s commitment to social justice. This is an issue that warrants the attention of an engaged student body.

That Aramark has been allowed to continue its unsatisfactory practices for as long as it has is reason enough to advocate for the employees that comprise an essential part of student life at Georgetown.

In response to the unjust lack of respect shown to Aramark employees, the Georgetown Solidarity Committee circulated a petition around campus with the intent of calling attention to the workers’ poor treatment and displaying the desire of the Georgetown community that it be improved.

This petition was signed by 2,021 students, faculty, staff, prospective students and parents, but has yet to reach the level of recognition on campus that real change and increased benefits for employees will undoubtedly require.

Talks between Aramark and its workers at Georgetown over salaries and benefits have been especially contentious this year, but as formal negotiations will finally take place Friday, it is critical that the Georgetown community not allow this issue to fade into the background.

In the words of a member of the GSC, the non-hierarchical student organization that worked with employees to organize this event, Wednesday’s action was an opportunity to “indicate the desire and need both for respect for Aramark workers and for a fair process in negotiating respect and organizing union representation.”

As a socially conscious student body, it is important that we take steps to improve the conditions for everyone on Georgetown’s campus, and hopefully these efforts for the respect of Aramark employees mark a strong first step in the right direction.

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