Gallego Calls on Aramark to Better Workers’ Conditions and Stop Potential Labor Law Violations

WASHINGTON –Today,Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)called for answers from Aramark over alleged labor rights violations affecting employees across Arizona. Aramark is a food service contractor that holds many state and federal contracts with Arizona’s universities, parks, stadiums, state prisons, and the Phoenix Convention Center.
“I write to express concern for the economic conditions and alleged labor rights violations reported among your employees and ask that you provide my office with an update on your efforts to address these issues,”Senator Gallego wrote in aletterto Oliver Zeidler, VP of Labor Relations at Aramark.“The value of these contracts with Arizona’s public institutions is substantial and makes Aramark’s performance of these agreements a matter of significant public concern.”
A recent survey indicated that 78% of Aramark workers at ASU reported believing that they do not earn enough to cover basic living expenses. More than one-third (35%) of those surveyed reported receiving food assistance such as SNAP, WIC, or other food donation services (such as food banks) in the past year.
Senator Gallego also raised concerns about reports of Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), including allegations of worker intimidation.
“As a major state and federal contractor, Aramark should lead the industry in fair wages and workplace safety. Ongoing labor disputes and the substandard treatment of workers harm our state institutions and our broader community,”Senator Gallego concluded.“With Arizona families seeing prices for food and gas increase, it is important to support workers in this moment.”
Read the full letterHERE.
Senator Gallego hascontinuously stood upfor workers and organized labor in the Senate. Earlier this year, he introduced theGive America a Raise Actto raise the minimum wage to $20 an hour. Last year, hejoinedStarbucks workers on the picket line and called on Starbucks to stop its union-busting efforts. He has also backedRichard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), comprehensive legislation to protect the right to organize and collectively bargain.