Unions, Legislators Support UNITE HERE Cafeteria Boycott
St. Paul - A number of the workers who lost their jobs in the MN Capitol Complex Cafeterias stood before a large crowd of union members, elected officials and supporters to put a face to this appaling issue.
These workers, members of UNITE HERE Local 17 are out of a job because the contract held by their employer to service cafeterias at the Department of Transportation, the Centennial Building, and the 600 Building was awarded to the non-union Taher, Inc. ARAMARK, the previous employer, lost the bid for the contract by 8 points out of 1,000. The RFP process, led by Commissioner Dana Bagerow of the Department of Administration, did not take into account working conditions or benefits provided to the 18 long term workers affected. Bruce Taher, CEO of Taher, Inc. has clearly indicated these will be a non-union part time jobs with no benefits. Four members of the workforce were hired back, leaving the rest of the workers without a job as the State's new contract with Taher, Inc. took effect.
Today, a large crowd including representatives from all of the Change to Win MN unions gathered outside of the DOT building to support these workers. State elected officials Senator David Tomassoni, Senator Ann Lynch, Senator Tony Lourey, Representative Mike Nelson, Representative Jim Davnie and Representative Tom Tillberry all spoke to the role of the State in setting a good example to employers and their anger with the current situation. Union leaders representing many of the thousands of state employees spoke in solidarity and encouraged all employees in the State Capitol Complex buildings to comply with UNITE HERE's call to boycott the 3 Taher, Inc. Cafeterias.
Change to Win Minnesota stands with these dislocated workers, supports UNITE HERE's boycott, and will continue to fight to reinstate these workers with the pay, benefits and dignity the deserve.
Click here to see Nick Coleman's StarTribune column regarding these workers.
Click here for more information, including a short video, from our friends at Workday Minnesota
- The former cafeteria workers received support from the labor community and allies at today's rally.
- Rep. Mike Nelson, a member of the Carpenters Union, is joined by Rep. Jim Davnie and Rep. Tom Tillberry to speak out against Taher, Inc's treatment of these workers.
