School cafeteria workers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are some of the latest to seek a $15 wage, nj.com reports.
Staff at five New Jersey school districts—Orange, Hackensack, North Brunswick, South Brunswick and Woodbridge—and one in Stroudsburg, Pa., are currently in negotiations with their employer, Chartwells, to raise their pay rate of $9 to $13 per hour to $15.
The cafeteria workers, who are represented by a New Jersey branch of the Service Employees International Union, aim to hold a rally next month and say that they would also be prepared to strike, although they see that as a last resort. As of now, the staff plans to be at work in September for the start of the school year.
Chartwells Regional Vice President Gene Sanchez says the vendor is open to working with the staff.
"We have enjoyed a positive relationship with SEIU 32BJ NJ Region for over 16 years and appreciate all they do, especially now when welcoming students back to school," Sanchez said in a statement given to NJ Advance Media. "We respect their position, and as we continue scheduled negotiations, we are committed to a collaborative and productive process."
Read the rest of the story via nj.com.