Students support, rally for union hire

The university and the unions are not the only ones getting
involved in the state of the subcontracted workers ““ many
students have gotten involved as well.

If the subcontracted workers are hired as university employees,
it could mean that operating costs may go up.

Several students said they would support the workers’
right to organize and become direct employees even if it meant an
increase in parking permit fees, though they do not think the
university is justified in making such an increase.

Because the parking system is entirely self supporting, any
increase in parking operating costs would translate directly to
increased parking permit fees paid by UCLA students, staff, and
faculty, according to Associate Director of Transportation Services
Renee Fortier.

“I don’t think that they should do anything that
compromises either student fees or worker’s rights,”
said Germän Gurrola, a fourth-year anthropology student and
consciencia libre member, who worked to unionize ASUCLA workers as
direct employees.

This year, students demonstrated in front of the
chancellor’s office with workers, spoke to administrators on
their behalf, and participated in candlelight vigils supporting
their right to organize.

In a similar situation last year ““ when the Associated
Students of UCLA was subcontracting food service workers ““
students made constant demonstrations and drew up petitions. Almost
a hundred students also attended key ASUCLA board meetings.

At that time, the Undergraduate Students Association Council
unanimously passed a resolution supporting the workers’ right
to organize and to become direct ASUCLA employees. In addition,
several faculty members signed a petition supporting the
workers.

ASUCLA’s operating costs went up after the association
decided to hire its subcontracted workers directly as ASUCLA
employees. In October 2001, students voted to raise their student
union fees, in part to fund their union.

The university works differently. Unlike ASUCLA, the university
is run by administrators, not students. As a result, the university
routinely raises housing and parking fees with less student
input.

Internal Vice President-elect Allende Palma-Saracho, said he
would support a fee increase that would go in part to making the
workers direct employees.

He also said he would support a similar resolution and would
work on the situation over the summer.

Other students said they hope these subcontracted workers will
soon be hired directly as UCLA employees just like the ASUCLA
subcontracted workers were.

“This isn’t just about students for workers but the
workers for workers and the students for students … it’s
about improving lives and working as a community,” said Seth
Cohen, an organizer for the Student Worker Front and fourth-year
political science student. “We led the fight last year and we
are leading the fight this year,” Cohen said.