And More Good News from UNITE-HERE

Rhode Island Catering Workers Win Better Wages and Benefits

On January 16, Twin River catering workers in Lincoln, Rhode Island ended a two year fight by overwhelmingly ratifying a new union contract that will guarantee fair raises, affordable single health insurance, employer paid pensions, and meaningful job security for another four years. Kerzner International, the Waterford Group and Starwood Capital purchased the facility shortly before negotiations began. Over the two-year course of negotiations, the new owners more than tripled the number of bargaining unit members as it transformed the facility from a small dog track to one of the country's largest gaming facilities.
"After a difficult struggle we are pleased to have reached a fair agreement with Twin River," said Robin Brindle, bartender and worker organizer. "We now know that workers will earn living wages and have access to quality health insurance for the next four years."

And for ARAMARK, yep, the New York strike continues. But that hasn't stopped nearby locals from supporting these strikers through protests at nearby Aramark operations. Again, from UNITE-HERE (New Haven Independent):

"Chicken nuggets, get out!" was the rallying cry as hundreds of workers from Unite Here, AFSCME, students and community allies gathered in New Haven on February 1st with a message to the city's Mayor and Board of Education: it's time to fire Aramark. The New Haven public schools contracted Aramark to manage the schools' food service and maintenance operations. Despite Aramark's promise of savings to the district's taxpayers, the company's operations in the schools ran up a $1.1 million deficit last year.

Frank Douglass, a cook at Yale University and member of Unite Here Local 35, spoke with his daughter, a student in the New Haven schools, at his side. "Last year Yale got rid of Aramark because Aramark wasn't up to the task. If Aramark's not good enough for Yale's students, there's no way Aramark's good enough for my daughter and other children in New Haven."

Busloads of striking Aramark workers from Local 100 in New York City joined the rally. President Bruce Raynor applauded their strength and courage, adding that "it takes incredible bravery to stand up to these global corporations like Aramark."

Read more about all of these actions directly at UNITE-HERE.