Sodexo workers protest for better pay and benefits

Chants of “No contract, no peace,” echoed across campus on Sept. 17, as union workers and students rallied outside Connecticut Hall to protest Sodexo’s stalled contract negotiations. 

The protest, which was organized by UNITE HERE Local 217, brought hospitality workers together with students to call for higher pay and stronger benefits. 

“We want to make it known we want a fair contract,” Joshua Stanley, Local 217’s secretary-treasurer, said. 

The employees stated that Sodexo, the company that manages dining services at many universities in the state, has delayed reaching a fair contract, leaving them struggling with the rising costs of living. 

Stanley said prior to 2020, these workers were able to make a living off being a food service worker. 

Now, he said many employees are living paycheck to paycheck, and without stronger wages, some are forced to borrow money just to make ends meet. 

Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz appeared briefly at the rally in a show of support for the workers, though both were unavailable to provide a comment. 

Students joined the workers in front of Connecticut Hall during their march to the Academic Quad in front of Buley Library, holding signs in support of the union. 

Several students have said that they believe the workers deserve fair wages. 

Elementary education major Natasha Ribas, a sophomore, said that they support the workers stance, as their paychecks should reflect their hard work. 

“They provide us with our meals daily, so it’s only fair they get better pay,” Ribas said. 

The demonstration at the university was part of collective actions taking place at other Connecticut campuses where Sodexo provides dining services. 

The hope from union officials is that the protest will draw attention to the issue.

Union leaders said that if negotiations with Sodexo do not move forward, workers are prepared to escalate their efforts. 

“We will strike if necessary,” Stanley said. “We do not want to strike, but if it comes down to it, we will.” 

This university’s hospitality workers serve thousands of students daily at Connecticut Hall and retail dining locations across campus. 

Several workers at the protest said they take pride in being part of the student experience, but that the job has become increasingly difficult to sustain as living costs in Connecticut rise. 

The rally remained peaceful, with chants and signs drawing the attention of students walking to class. 

“They have the right to protest. They are doing it peacefully,” business administration major Damien Davies, a senior, said. “I don’t see a problem in what they are fighting for.” 

Union organizers said they plan to continue holding rallies and meetings with workers across the state campuses until an agreement is reached. 

No timeline for another bargaining session with Sodexo was announced. 

However, leaders emphasized that employees intend to keep pressure on the company until their demands are addressed. 

“We will keep on fighting until Sodexo realizes we deserve better than what they are offering us,” Stanley said.