Several Aramark employees have recently come forward to complain that their working conditions are shoddy and that the company intentionally disqualifies them from being eligible for health insurance.
On Valentine’s Day this year, an employee of the Viking Food Court, who asked to remain anonymous, was told to stay late by her supervisor, Jonathan Proulx. She said that she agreed to stay late but then couldn’t because of plans with her boyfriend. She said she was written up in consequence.
“My job is nothing but a nightmare,” she said.
Proulx declined to comment on the incident.
Aramark employs about 75 part-time and full-time workers who cater events and staff the food court and the Starbucks in Smith Memorial Student Union, as well as the coffee cart in the library. Its mission statement includes treating its employees well.
“We have a great working environment at PSU,” Food Service Director Lisa Potter said. “This starts day one of employment.”
The employee who complained that she was treated unfairly on Feb. 14 said that her hours were cut immediately before her full-time position qualified her for health insurance. She currently works 29 hours per week, just shy of the 30 hours per week that entitles employees to benefits.
She said that she is regularly asked to work late, though her extra hours aren’t initially written into the schedule. This renders her an employee who is part-time on the schedule but who works full-time hours.
“They know I need the extra money and they’re taking advantage of me,” she said. “It’s unfair.”
She is currently looking for another job.
“Anything would be better,” she said.
Potter, addressing the issue of health insurance and who does and doesn’t qualify, said that benefits are determined based on the hours employees work and that the qualification process is simple.
“We encourage…individuals to apply for full-time positions as they become available,” Potter said.
Potter emphasized the variety of programs that exist for the personal and professional betterment of employees, including the THRIVE (Thoughtful, Heartfelt, Results-driven, Innovative, Valued and trusted, and Engaged) recognition, Employee Engagement conversations and student intern opportunities.
Shannon Lockard, a caterer, pastry cook and vice president of the local Aramark union chapter, said she loves working for the company.
“It depends on your attitude,” Lockard said. “If you come in to work disgruntled, you’re going to create a negative atmosphere.”
Lockard said that transitioning to full-time positions and gaining benefits is easy to do within Aramark.
Commenting on promotions, she said, “They’re open to movement.”
Another employee, who asked that his name not be printed, said that one of the oldest workers in the food court suffers from medical problems but is still forced to work at the grill, despite a doctor’s note specifying that she shouldn’t.
One day, according to the anonymous employee, the elderly worker wet her pants and wasn’t allowed to go home and change.
“They work her to the bone,” he said.
Linda Lacy, a student who works 20 hours a week in the cafeteria, said she’s happy there.
“This is a job to augment my financial aid,” Lacy said. “I really like the people who work here, and that makes it easy to come to work.”
The anonymous employee who felt that her hours were unfairly cut when she was on the verge of qualifying for benefits said that Aramark workers are united by a common unhappiness.
“A lot of the people I work with are in the same boat,” she said. “We hate our job.” ?