UVa Workers need LIVING WAGES

Wage Campaign is active group on grounds that work to support the rights and demand of UVa Workers. Its aim is to demand a “living wage” for workers on campus. Student groups like Workers and Sisters United have worked tirelessly to make the problem known and even began passing out petition slips for people to join the effort. The students work with Virginia Organizing Project and the Communications Workers of America to build a powerful force with status and leverage. These groups have worked together since 1998, when the campaign was just beginning established and has worked continuously to further the cause. The first influential victory they had was the increase in pay to 8 dollars and hour. It just goes to show how much we can really make a difference as a student body, if we stand united with a purpose and cause that is realistic and beneficial then we can achieve. And even if it is the tiniest of victories, it still means that our efforts have made an impact.

The reason why I felt the need to bring this to the attention of this blog is its importance to spread the word. The Living Wages campaign is dependent on the population of Charlottesville’s support. The campaign needs to know that the community feels kinship for its local workers and they deserve the raise in wages. And while I have your attention let me emphasize why they do. While at the forum for this campaign students read aloud excerpts from quotes of UVa campus workers, and I was devastated by the scenes that were hidden backstage (so to say). For example last winter when Charlottesville was hit with about 4-6 inches of snow. For students this was a blast because we had classes cancelled and a day to play in the snow, but for UVa campus workers it was a different story. Because UVa campus was not closed workers had to come in at 6am to beat the worst of the storm, and majority of the workers commute long hours to come to UVa. So while we enjoyed the snow, they endured the repercussions and still do not get paid enough to support their families. My friend who also attended the forum converted with an UVa campus worker who was also present and he was telling her about the three jobs he has just to support his family. His day runs as so; come to UVa campus at 5 and clean, at 2pm he would return home (which was 30-45 minutes away) and eat take a 2 hour nap then go to his second job till 8, at 8 he would return home only to go to his third job till 2am, then again at5 return to UVa campus. Anyway my point is that this campaign is a worthy cause, and if their wages were just raised a bit more than maybe this man would not have to have a third job.

If you have time student, faculty, and local Charlottesville members you should check out their website http://www.livingwageaction.org/campaigns_uva.htm and attend a forum to see for you the reality life

Thanks -Taitu