With a strike authorization vote Thursday and Friday, the Service Employees International Union Local 73 gathered again to raise awareness about the group’s contract negotiations with the University.
By picketing, the group is hoping to push the University to raise campus wages and better working conditions. SEIU and the University have been in contract negotiations since June.
Thomas Haley, building service worker for five and a half years, said he feels positive about the outcome of the picket.
“I thought we had a great turnout today — a lot of noise and a lot of honks and a lot of appreciation from the community,” Haley said. “I feel that we made a point and I feel that point has been made very loudly.
“The Alumni Center calling the police on us, it goes to reinforce the belief that a point has been made.”
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Aaron Ammons, vice president of SEIU 73, said a strike is likely if there isn’t more progress with negotiations with the University.
“People are getting more and more engaged, and I’m really starting to get upset with the lack of progress in the negotiation,” Ammons said. “If management does not come through with legitimate proposals, then I think a strike is likely.”
Carina can be reached at [email protected].
