Miami foodservice workers vote to join union

May 6—A majority of foodservice workers at the University of Miami have voted to join 32BJ SEIU and authorize the union to represent them when they begin negotiating a first contract with Chartwells Dining Services, UM's food service contractor.

The workers, who make as little as $9.31 an hour or about $10,000 a year, wanted a simple, fair process to begin bargaining for the opportunity to earn a living wage, more meaningful benefits, and dignity and respect in the workplace. Last week, they won that right when Chartwells agreed to a card check process to certify that they wanted 32BJ SEIU as their union.