School Cafeteria Workers In East Orange Threaten To Strike Over Pay

EAST ORANGE, NJ — More than 100 school cafeteria workers in the East Orange Public School District are threatening to strike as contract talks turn sour with their employer, Sodexo.

On Tuesday, Unite Here Local 100 – the union that is representing the workers – announced that they have voted to authorize a strike, which could potentially take place at any time.

The cafeteria workers presented their results at the East Orange Board of Education meeting Monday night. Here’s why they’re thinking about walking off the job, according to Unite Here:

“Workers, many of whom have worked in the district for decades, have been fighting for a new contract with raises that keep up with the cost of living and to maintain job protections that stop the company from subcontracting out their jobs.”

“I’ve been in the district for 39 years and I’m not even making $20 an hour,” said Lorraine Daniels, a Sodexo cafeteria lead.

“We need a raise and we need it now,” Daniels said. “That's why I voted for a strike. I don’t want to strike – but if it comes down to it, I will.”

Sodexo, one of the largest food service corporations in the nation, manages school cafeterias across the United States. The company reported a “strong increase in revenues and profitability” in the 2022 fiscal year.

SodexoMagic, the joint venture between Magic Johnson Enterprises and Sodexo Inc., announced a new partnership with the East Orange Public School District in September 2022. SodexoMagic will be providing students and staff with nutritional services, including breakfast and lunch, for the next five years.

Reached for comment about the recent strike authorization in East Orange, a Sodexo spokesperson gave Patch the following statement:

“Sodexo and Unite Here Local 100 have been engaged for several months in serious collective bargaining negotiations for new collective bargaining agreements for unionized employees in the NY/NJ area. Many important issues have already been agreed upon. There are, however, still some significant issues that remain to be resolved. The union and Sodexo have agreed to return to the bargaining table on March 17. We are confident that we are on a path, with additional and continued good faith bargaining, to reach a full agreement on all issues soon that will be fair to our employees and union members.”

But according to Unite Here Local 100 President José Maldonado, cafeteria workers in East Orange’s schools intend to keep the pressure up until they get the contract they’re seeking.

“Sodexo workers in East Orange schools feed our children,” Maldonado said. “They don’t deserve lower wages than other cafeteria workers in New York and New Jersey, and it’s disgusting that Sodexo thinks they do.”

“Our members know that when you’re disrespected or told you could lose your job at any time, you use your rights to push back,” Maldonado added.

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