Action & Unity Pay Off for Sodexo Members in Contract Bargaining
By Kaitlin
Members employed by Sodexo at St. Louis University Hospital recently celebrated a contract victory that secured big financial gains for workers. The Bargaining Team was focused and the wider membership provided the needed support when it mattered most during button days. When more pressure was needed, a petition was circulated with nearly 100% of members signing on in only 24 hours! That petition was delivered to management and the planned march on the boss turned into a “chase on the boss” when the manager ran away. The message was received loud and clear and here are a few highlights from the new agreement:
- Minimum $2.50/hour raise over the life of the contract for every worker
- New shift differentials
- $1.50 per hour for weekend shifts
- Up to $2.25 per hour for night shifts
- Juneteenth added as a paid holiday
“I’ve served on bargaining teams at my previous jobs but this was my first experience as an SEIU member. I am proud to be a part of such a strong union and there are two things in particular that meant a lot to me in this contract victory. First, Juneteenth has been overlooked for so long and as a Black man it’s meaningful to finally have it recognized as a holiday where we work. Winning the weekend differential pay was also significant because we all work rotating weekends and it will finally be acknowledged with extra pay.”
Bryant Stevens
Cold Prep Cook, Sodexo at SLUH & Bargaining Team Member