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On April 14th 2010, the Sodexo workers at George Mason University marched on the JC North Plaza, demanding higher wages and healthcare. After delivering petitions to Denise Ammaccapane, Sodexo Resident District Manager, who refused to accept them, the workers decided to it was time to finally make their voices heard. Over 70 Sodexo food service employees marched from Braddock road down to the Johnson Center.

From the SEIU Blog, by Chris Schwartz:

“All we want is respect and to improve our lives but Sodexo management has only responded by intimidating and threatening us,” says Andres Ujueta, one of the striking cafeteria workers at George Mason University.

Despite their dedication and hard work, GMU cafeteria workers earn a poverty wage–as little as $8.65 an hour. With Sodexo’s healthcare plan costing $240 a month, most workers say they can’t afford health insurance for their families.

Since George Mason cafeteria workers began forming a union, they have been subjected to harassment and intimidation by Sodexo management. Earlier this month, the workers voted to strike. Before taking this action, workers have demonstrated their support to form a union by holding rallies and delivering petitions to Sodexo management.