Sen. Ruben Gallego writes letter to Aramark over alleged labor rights violations

WASHINGTON (KYMA) - Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) wrote a letter to Aramark over alleged labor rights violations affecting employees across the state of Arizona.

According to a press release, Aramark is a food service contractor who holds state and federal contracts with universities, parks, stadiums, state prisons across Arizona, along with the Phoenix Convention Center.

"I write to express concern for the economic conditions and alleged labor rights violations reported among your employees and ask that you provide my office with an update on your efforts to address these issues," Sen. Gallego wrote to Oliver Zeidler, VP of Labor Relations at Aramark. "The value of these contracts with Arizona's public institutions is substantial and makes Aramark's performance of these agreements a matter of significant public concern."

According to a recent survey, 78% of Aramark workers at Arizona State University say "they do not earn enough to cover basic living expenses," with 35% of those surveyed saying they received food assistance like SNAP, WIC or other food donation services, like food banks, in the past year.

In the letter, Gallego also "raised concerns about reports of Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), including allegations of worker intimidation."

"As a major state and federal contractor, Aramark should lead the industry in fair wages and workplace safety. Ongoing labor disputes and the substandard treatment of workers harm our state institutions and our broader community," the senator concluded. "With Arizona families seeing prices for food and gas increase, it is important to support workers in this moment."

To read the letter in full, click here.