May 6—A majority of foodservice workers at the University of Miami have voted to join 32BJ SEIU and authorize the union to represent them when they begin negotiating a first contract with Chartwells Dining Services, UM's food service contractor.
The workers, who make as little as $9.31 an hour or about $10,000 a year, wanted a simple, fair process to begin bargaining for the opportunity to earn a living wage, more meaningful benefits, and dignity and respect in the workplace. Last week, they won that right when Chartwells agreed to a card check process to certify that they wanted 32BJ SEIU as their union.