19 Arrested in Act of Peaceful Civil Disobedience Protesting Mistreatment of Sodexo Workers on Campus

Protests in Response to Civil Rights Violations of Workers by Food Service Giant Sodexo to Hit Campuses in 10 States

 COLUMBUS, OHIO—In response to rampant mistreatment reported by campus service workers of food service contractor Sodexo, more than 200 Ohio State University students, community members, and service workers marched and rallied on OSU’s campus Thursday. The march ended in an act of civil disobedience when workers and students sat down and blocked traffic on N High Street. 19 students and workers were arrested by Columbus Police. Sodexo employees at OSU’s facilities are paid poverty wages and most have no access to affordable health care.

Workers who participated in the protest said they feel like they have no choice but to fight in order to make these jobs that can support a family. “I want to teach my kids and grandkids that you can get ahead in the world by working hard and making an honest living” said Marcia Snell, one of the Sodexo workers who was arrested, “But I work hard every single day and I never get ahead. We’re barely getting by. What kind of lesson is that?”

Sodexo workers at Ohio State University and on campuses across the country who are campaigning to improve their working conditions have come under attack by Sodexo in recent months including illegal firings, interrogations, and surveillance.  To protest these violations of employees’ rights, Sodexo cafeteria workers, janitors, students, religious leaders and elected officials in 11 states are participating in rallies and in civil disobedience this week.

Ohio State University students who participated in the civil disobedience said they wanted to improve working conditions on their campus and let the workers to know that they are not alone.  Ohio State University student Chelsea Pflum says, “We as a university community have a responsibility to all workers on our campus, no matter who hires them, to ensure that they are treated with respect by their employer and paid enough to make a decent living.” Pflum is the regional organizer for OSU’s chapter of United Students Against Sweatshops.