Philadelphia cafeteria workers fear for their jobs

The 30 cafeteria workers in the Daniel Boone School District's food service operation are concerned that they may soon lose their jobs.

That's what Sharon Templin, a 27-year veteran of the operation who manages the high school cafeteria, said when contacted Friday.

"We're totally confused because everything seems to be up in the air," she said.

She and husband, Perry L. Templin, attended a recent meeting of the school board's finance committee at which Michael A. Miller, assistant business manager, said that the number of meals served annually had dropped to below 300,000 from the earlier 400,000, and enrollment was down by another 100 students to 3,500.

"There are fewer mouths to feed and (food service) revenues decline," he added.

Business Manager Loren W. Small noted that only New York-based Nutrition, Inc. had bid to be the district's food contractor for the 2015-16 school year.

One bid was for providing food if the district retains its workers, he said. The other bid was to provide food but outsource the workers.

"Apparently the Nutrition firm isn't guaranteeing our jobs, only that they would agree to interview us," Sharon Templin said.

"All my co-workers are food service veterans and could run the operation themselves because they know exactly what to do, when, where and how," she added.

"But if they hire us, I'm sure we won't be paid what we're getting now, and probably no contributions to our retirement funds either."

Templin noted that on Tuesday, the final day of school, "The kids in the cafeteria gave us a standing ovation and hugs, and the special needs kids came into the kitchen and did the same."