About 45 Sodexo workers at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock, Ark., recently voted to join UFCW Local 2008, marking the first Sodexo unit to be represented by the local.
The workers, who prepare and serve food, cater functions and events, and clean the campus cafeteria area, joined UFCW Local 2008 to secure better pay, improve working conditions, and have a stronger voice on the job.
The organizing campaign included in-person meetings at the campus cafeteria, where workers learned about the benefits of a union contract.
“We are happy to have a union because we didn’t know how to go about getting better opportunities for ourselves,” said the workers in a joint statement. “Having better pay and benefits will not only help us, but also our families.”
“UFCW Local 2008 welcomes these workers and looks forward to negotiating a strong, first contract that reflects their dedication and hard work,” said UFCW Local 2008 President Karen Hill.