Tufts dining hall workers decide to join union

MEDFORD, Mass. (AP) — A group of dining hall workers at Tufts University announced they are forming a labor union.

A delegation of dining hall employees went to the offices of University administration earlier today to present a photo petition of workers holding a banner with signatures pledging to unionize.

They said they are joining UNITE HERE Local 26, and demand that the University recognize the union.

Union organizing director Michael Kramer said they are asking the administration to recognize them without a National Labor Relations Board process, which would proctor its own election of the employees.

Kramer said an “overwhelming majority,” of up to 200 direct employees of Tufts signed union cards in favor of the union, but would not give a tally. He says that workers “just want a seat at the table,” and that they haven’t cemented what their demands are.

Sixty-one-year-old Grazie Difabio was part of the delegation, and says she is unable to care for her grandchildren due to her changing schedule. “I have to care for my grandchildren,” she said, adding that as a 14-year employee of the University, her employers should consider her seniority.

Over 500 Tufts students joined the delegation and rallied outside the offices. Difabio said, “They made me stronger.” Making $17 per hour, Difabio lost her home after not being able to pay the rent on a single income after the death of her husband. “I couldn’t afford to stay by myself,” she explained. Forty-three student groups joined a coalition to support the unionizing workers.

“My mother worked a service job for most of her life. I saw her struggle,” said Edwin Jain, a student worker and Computer Science Junior at Tufts University. “She always wished there was someone who would stand by her. Tufts students are prepared to back workers until we win.”