A petition advocating for student dining workers at Cornell University was launched on November 3. This initiative calls on the university to stop austerity measures that are expected to harm student jobs in dining services. The petition highlights concerns about financial cuts to Cornell Dining, which could significantly affect many students on campus.
Over the summer, Cornell reported facing “acute fiscal pressures” and unveiled plans under the “Resilient Cornell” initiative aimed at cost reduction. This includes restructuring jobs and possibly introducing layoffs. The petition underscores the vital role these jobs play for students, helping them pay for tuition, housing, and food.
The petition outlines six key demands, including the protection of wages, benefits, and hours for student dining workers. It also urges the university to ensure adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and training for students. Workers have claimed that some positions have already been eliminated and that changes to hours have limited their earnings.
A student worker, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “The reduced hours make it tough to keep things running smoothly at dining halls.” Another worker expressed concern about safety, sharing experiences of inadequate training for operating kitchen equipment. “We really need structured training to use these machines safely,” they explained.
Cornell’s Office of Risk Management requires that any injuries be reported, but students have shared that injuries often go unreported due to a culture of fear surrounding job security. In response, a Cornell Dining representative mentioned there are channels available for workers to address their concerns, including a leadership committee that meets with management.
In terms of compensation, the petition highlights the reduction in bonuses for picking up extra shifts. Previously, students could earn $75 in Big Red Bucks; this has diminished to just $25 for some shifts.
This petition serves as a broader call to action, emphasizing that the issues dining workers face are vital for the entire campus community. A member stressed, “If you care about your meals, you should care about these workers.”
What’s unfolding at Cornell reflects a larger trend in the service industry where austerity measures impact workers’ rights and safety. According to a recent survey from the National Student Employment Association, nearly 60% of student workers reported job insecurity due to economic pressures at their universities.
In a climate where student jobs are crucial for many, the voices of those advocating for fair treatment must be amplified.
For more context on Cornell’s financial strategies, you can read their official statement here and details about the Resilient Cornell initiative here.
