Chanting "What do we want?... Justice? When do we want it?... Now" was heard outside Mary Graydon Center this morning, as a rally of more than 50 people including Aramark workers and students from AU Solidarity, came together to present the University and Aramark with a petition.
The petition of over 1,800 signatures was given to AU's Director of Housekeeping, Audrey Terry in front of Anderson Hall in support for higher wages, pension plans and affordable healthcare.
"We want our workers to hold their chins up when they come to work," freshman Dave Rutter said. "We're fighting for their integrity, dignity, and respect."
Both students and workers walked to Anderson Hall, shouting chants such as "No justice, no peace" and held up posters with slogans like "Higher Wages, Better Healthcare for survival," "We want Bread and Roses" and "Essential Workers = Fair + Decent Wages."
After giving Terry the petition, the group decided to go down to the Anderson Hall Terrace to Terry's Office. They were, however, stopped by Rick Treter, associate resident director, who was asking that workers be accompanied by students with student ID's and that non-residents be accompanied by Anderson residents.
According to Treter, he was only acting in accordance with policy, but that no one was documented for disruption or noise complaints.
"We escorted them off to protect the residents of the complex," Treter said. "[Next time they have to let us know], but AU is built on this, [AU students] expressing themselves."
Professor John Willoughby, an associate professor of Economics, also spoke out, saying that he represented the feelings of many members on the faculty.
"We support the struggle for higher wages and dignity for all workers on campus," Willoughby said. "Struggle and justice begins at home."
Jane Li, Georgetown student and member of its Solidarity group, came to help students at AU protest in support of the janitors bringing posters.
"I think if AU has a living wage and if Aramark is going to do business with them, then [Aramark] has to respect that," Li said.
Union Representative Maria Diaz will be meeting with Aramark on Oct. 29 and 30 to discuss workers' contracts. She said that if there were no change in wages and benefits, then they would resort to a strike before Christmas.
"I think the rally went well and we're pleased that the workers and the students came together," sophomore and AU Solidarity member David Benzaquen said. "If the demands aren't met at negotiations and the workers decide to strike, we will support them 100 percent"
