Students boycott Aramark

Students joined a boycott against Aramark, Portland State’s cafeteria service, on May Day. Aramark employees have been pushing for the right to vote to unionize. They say they have received opposition from Aramark’s management.Employees approached the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) hoping to receive help with organizing. ASPSU, other student groups and local restaurants stepped up in support of the workers. Free food was handed out at an information table where supporters could sign a banner. Local restaurants also offered discounts to students holding current ID that said they were boycotting.

The Aramark employees are one of the last groups on campus without union representation. Three unions are currently negotiating with the university for new contracts. The American Association of University Professors, the Portland State University Faculty Association and the Oregon Public Employee’s Union are bargaining simultaneously in a show of solidarity.