(The AFL-CIO issued the following on April 5.)
WASHINGTON — The AFL-CIO stands firmly in support of the campaign to improve working conditions for Washington University employees.
On Monday, more than 20 courageous students began a sit-in at the main campus admissions office located in St. Louis, MO, refusing to leave until the university agrees to implement a code of conduct and living wage policy for all its workers.
For almost two years, the Student Worker Alliance (SWA) and their allies have passionately advocated for a living wage, the freedom to form unions without interference, and a code of conduct that covers all campus workers, including subcontractors.
The University should immediately agree to a comprehensive living wage policy, as defined by the Living Wage Ordinance passed in the city of St. Louis. Washington University Chancellor Mark Wrighton should withdraw his opposition to a timely living wage implementation process, as proposed by the University-endorsed Task Force on Contractor Employees.
As highlighted by the recent living wage victory at Georgetown University, students, workers and allies are coming together to ensure that all campus employees are able to lift themselves from poverty. They are part of a growing movement demanding that their universities offer good jobs, a middle class wage, affordable health care and the right to freely form unions.