ASU Food Service Workers Demand Better Pay and Conditions Amid Rising Costs
Food service employees at Arizona State University (ASU) have been actively protesting this week, seeking increased wages and improved work conditions from their employer, Aramark. The ongoing demonstrations highlight the workers’ struggle to earn a livable wage as living expenses in Arizona continue to escalate.
These employees, represented by the Unite Here Local 11 labor union, have been negotiating with Aramark for several months to secure a new contract that addresses their concerns. According to labor union attorney Maxwell Ulin, there is an urgent need for significant improvements in wages and benefits due to the rapidly increasing cost of living. “People are getting priced out much more rapidly than we would have ever seen under that prior contract before,” Ulin remarked.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Aramark has acknowledged the workers’ right to protest and confirmed that discussions are still in progress. However, multiple complaints have been filed against the company with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing management of unfair labor practices, including worker intimidation during the negotiation process.
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly showed support by attending the protests, where he emphasized the inadequacy of the current wages. “Top 1% is as rich as it’s ever been in our country, and people can’t afford a place to live, and they can’t afford their lives,” Kelly stated, stressing that even an hourly wage of $19 is insufficient for many workers, especially those with dependents or without year-round employment.
Senator Kelly has urged Aramark to engage constructively in ongoing investigations and negotiations, as outlined in a letter he wrote to the company.
Concerns over working conditions at ASU were further underscored in March when employees at a Panda Express on campus filed a complaint with the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health. The complaint followed an incident where employee Vanessa Martinez was hospitalized for dehydration due to high temperatures in the kitchen, which lacked adequate air-conditioning.
Martinez highlighted the dire conditions, noting that, despite being a large corporation, “they have the money to fix that problem — they’re just not willing to.” She described working in temperatures ranging from 90 to 100 degrees, especially during busy periods, as “horrible.”
