The Mixer, May, 2008 UNITE HERE cafeteria and janitorial staff who work for Aramark at Seneca College’s Markham campus near Toronto went out on strike on March 10th. Since that time, striking workers and their supporters on the legal picket lines have been repeatedly hit by cars entering campus. The York Region Police have been called to the picket line after the incidents. Charges have been filed and the police are still investigating. “What we’re fighting for is a fair first contract,” said Andy Chiu who works for Aramark at the college on the overnight cleaning shift and was struck by a vehicle. “We’ve worked hard serving food and cleaning this campus for the students. This company makes a lot of money, and we’re simply asking for a living wage and to be treated with dignity and respect. No one deserves to be hit by a car for that.” The workers have been asking the foodservice giant to address low wages and benefits and want equity with other Aramark workers at Seneca College. After more than 8 months of bargaining and on the eve of a strike deadline, Aramark responded with a paltry 1.25% wage increase - or less than 10 cents an hour for most staff. Many students have also been actively supporting the striking workers, signing petitions, spending time on the picket line and bringing warm drinks. “The striking Aramark workers are the ones who make sure we can study in a safe, clean environment and prepare and serve food on campus,” said Andrew Robinson, a first year student. “They deserve our respect and our support.” | 
