Partial Victory Declared by Cal Student Workers but Struggle Continues

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/06/08/18426089.php

Partial Victory Declared by Cal Student Workers but Struggle Continues
by Student Worker Action Group
Friday Jun 8th, 2007 9:00 PM

After over 7 months of struggle, Cal student workers employed by Cal Dining are declaring a partial victory today. They have been informed that, as of July 1, 2007, they will receive the base wage rate of $11.25/hr. This rate is equal to the rate non-Cal student full and part time staffs have received since August of last year, though some non-Cal student staff will soon be receiving $11.70/hr.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 7, 2007

CONTACT: Tristan Bunner: 805.798.5096, calfoodworker gmail.com

Student Worker Action Group

Cal Student Workers Declare Victory
But Continue Struggle to Win Other Demands

WHAT: After over 7 months of struggle, Cal student workers employed by Cal Dining are declaring a partial victory today. They have been informed that, as of July 1, 2007, they will receive the base wage rate of $11.25/hr. This rate is equal to the rate non-Cal student full and part time staffs have received since August of last year, though some non-Cal student staff will soon be receiving $11.70/hr.

Though they are happy that they will finally be receiving equal pay, Cal student food service workers still have many questions about the changes, and feel that many of their demands have not yet been met. When the new wage rate is implemented, will all Cal student food service workers receive $11.25/hr, or will senior workers who have received raises above the base rate in the past keep their difference in pay over those who have not?

Through contacts in AFSCME, the union that represents UC service workers, Cal student workers have also learned that service workers within the AFSCME bargaining unit will soon be receiving a raise to $11.70/hr, retroactive to January 2007. The demand of the Cal student workers has always been pay equal to that of their coworkers, and they are angered that the pay inequity will only be continued this coming semester.

Most of all, Cal student workers demand that they receive back pay for the last two semesters, since the time the wage difference began. They have worked 11 months with a pay rate over $2/hr less than their coworkers (including high school and community college students) simply because of their status as Cal students and they feel that they should be compensated for this gross act of discrimination.


FULL story at link.