UNH Workers Demand Decent Contract

 

On a sunny Monday afternoon, the University of New Haven campus echoed with the passionate voices of workers, organizers, and union supporters. Their demand? A fair union contract that addresses the critical issues: increased wages, comprehensive paid healthcare benefits, and robust job protection for all facilities workers.

This spirited rally marked the second time in recent months that these dedicated individuals came together to advocate for their rights. The negotiations involve not one, but two contracts, one with the university’s union facilities workers and another with Sodexo, the food service subcontractor whose workers are also represented by Local 217 Unite Here.

The union has been in discussions with the University of New Haven since last August when the facilities workers voted to join the union. However, despite six months of negotiations, their core demands remain unmet. Safety concerns persist, and the call for better pay reverberates among the dedicated workers.

Recently, the union faced setbacks during the contract negotiations process. The university challenged the union’s assertions about job security, leading to a tense situation. Remarkably, 94% of facility workers authorized a strike. Picket signs at the rally said, “We don't want to strike but we will.” and “Union busting is disgusting.”

Over 100 people gathered in front of the campus chanting, “No contract, no peace.” Their unwavering commitment to improved working conditions and benefits resonated throughout the crowd. Solidarity was visible, as they received support from local unions, the  Connecticut AFL-CIO, New Haven Rising, state representatives, and community members.

One critical issue raised during the rally is the university’s use of subcontractors to replace union facilities workers. “The workers had seen, over the past 14 years, the number of facilities workers go down from 52 to now 35 at the same time that the university has expanded by 50 percent,” said Local 217 director Josh Stanley

Rev. Scott Marks, director of New Haven Rising, told the union workers that if they are forced to strike for a decent contract, the community will be with them. “You’re talking about people’s lives, and we’re not going to stand down until we get what we need to take care of our families,” said Marks.

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As the sun started to set, the voices of these determined workers echoed across the University of New Haven campus, a testament to their resilience and unwavering pursuit of fairness and justice.