Aramark Workers At Arizona State University Have Had Enough!

Dozens of Arizona State University dining hall and food service workers employed by Aramark protested alleged unfair labor practices (ULP’s). The ULP charges, filed with the National Labor Relations Board, allege surveillance and interrogation by Aramark management.

“I want us to be able to feel comfortable going to our manager when we have a problem, instead of being silenced or pushed away or just being afraid because we don’t know how the manager is going to react,” said Domiyono Hardy, a worker at Manzanita Dining Hall. You can read the full article here!

Phoenix Non-Violence Direct Action Training

We are so proud to have gathered with so many incredible people for a training on Non-Violent Direct Action, this time in Phoenix! Nearly 400 activists, workers, elected leaders, and community partners came together to ground ourselves and commit together to the practice of nonviolent direct action, built on the foundation of Reverend James Lawson Jr.’s teachings. Freedom is a constant struggle, but in the words of the 6th principle of nonviolence: “Nonviolence believes the universe is on the side of justice. The moral arc bends toward justice — but only when we push, together, with discipline and faith.”

ARAMARK WORKERS ARE READY TO FIGHT FOR A FAIR CONTRACT!

Aramark workers from the Arizona State University campuses travelled to the Arizona Board of Regents last week to talk with board members about their upcoming contract negotiations. Workers’ contract with Aramark expired in August of this year, and we will not stand for anything less than a fair contract and we are prepared to fight for it.

SKY CAFE: HIRE LAID OFF WORKERS!

LSG Sky Chef’s workers at Sky Harbor Airport are facing mass layoffs after their employer lost the contract with American Airlines. Sky Cafe, the replacement contractor, has not committed to hiring the hundreds of laid-off workers. Workers held a press conference urging the Phoenix City Council to take any and all steps to protect workers’ jobs.

Tucson Non-Violence Direct Action Training

So many organizers, community members, and faith leaders came out for our Nonviolent Direct Action Training in Tucson! People came from all backgrounds and all different levels of organizing to meet others fighting the good fight and to study “the science of how you create a world that practices truth, justice, and compassion,” as Reverend Lawson would say!

We’re excited to bring this training to Phoenix at the end of September, so stay tuned to hear how to participate! You can click here to see all the pictures form the training.

 

ABC 15 ARIZONA: Union alleges Sky Chefs employee retaliated against for blowing whistle on unsafe conditions

“Unite Here Local 11 says LSG Sky Chefs employee Filiberto Lares was suspended over a “safety issue” and given a warning. The suspension comes just weeks after Lares complained to city leaders that the AC was not properly functioning in their airline-catering trucks and the same day the union organized a protest at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.”

WELCOME TO THE UNION

Congratulations to workers at Desert Diamond Arena, Hudson at Sky Harbor Airport, Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater, Ontario Convention Center, and Toyota Arena workers on joining the union!

DAVID BORG FROM THE TEMPE MISSION PALMS

“Because thats what we have to do, that’s at the heart of this movement, fighting for our community.” David Borg is a Shop Steward at the Tempe Mission palms in Tempe, AZ.

STRIKE ALERT: Hundreds of Food and Beverage Workers at Sky Harbor Airport Walk Out Over Contract Dispute

Phoenix, AZ – Hundreds of food and beverage workers employed by SSP America at Sky Harbor Airport walk out on strike. Cashiers, cooks, bartenders, servers, dishwashers, and baristas from well-known airport eateries, such as Matt’s Big Breakfast, Pita Jungle, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Four Peaks Brewing Co., are on strike for better wages and benefits and plan to hold picket lines at the terminals. 

SSP America is contracted by the City of Phoenix to operate food and beverage concessions at the city-owned airport. The contractor employs over 400 workers in both terminals, both pre-and post-security. 

Workers’ collective bargaining agreement with SSP America expired on May 31st. Despite the union’s proposals during negotiations, the company has not made significant movement on much-needed wage increases, health insurance contributions, and working conditions. 

Last month, SSP America was also the subject of two complaints with the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) reporting what appeared to be rats at Dunkin’ Donuts and cockroaches at Matt’s Big Breakfast and Pei Wei. Per their lease contract with the City of Phoenix, SSP America is responsible for exterminating and preventing the presence of rodents and other vermin within the premises. 

In addition, workers filed multiple federal labor charges against SSP America alleging unlawful disciplinary actions, unilateral changes, and unlawful surveillance. 

Workers, represented by UNITE HERE Local 11, voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike based on the company’s alleged unfair labor practices and inadequate contract offers on September 1st.