Tufts Dining Workers resolution — File 207598

WHEREAS: One Job Should be Enough; and WHEREAS: There is a shift toward more intensive use of part-time employment by many employers and is driving the elevated rate of involuntary part-time work; and WHEREAS: Food service is among the key industries driving this shift toward involuntary part- time work; and WHEREAS: Involuntary part-time workers are not only earning less income than they would prefer, but suffer because part-time jobs offer relatively lower wage rates and benefit coverage, and have more variable and unpredictable work schedules; and WHEREAS: This unpredictable work schedule intensifies resident displacement, destabilizes communities, disrupts children’s educations, threatens the stability of Somerville schools, undermines the health and vitality of our neighborhoods, and jeopardizes the diversity that Somerville values; and WHEREAS: The displacement caused by land speculation by developers around the Green Line Extension makes is difficult for long time Somervillians to afford to stay here because of soaring living and housing costs; and WHEREAS: Over 200 dining workers in Food Service at Tufts University reflect the diversity of Somerville and transform an Institution into a home for students; and WHEREAS: A quarter of these workers are designated involuntary part-time workers; and WHEREAS: In 2018, Tufts Dining Workers joined UNITE HERE Local 26 because they believe “One Job Should Be Enough” to live in Somerville, raise a family in Somerville and retire with dignity in Somerville; and WHEREAS: Large institutions such as Tufts University should lead by example by ensuring that “One Job Should Be Enough” to live in Somerville; and WHEREAS: In the last 6 months Tufts University Dining Workers have made every effort through negotiations with Tufts University to ensure “One Job Should Be Enough” to live in Somerville; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That Somerville’s City Council, in session assembled, hereby adopts this Resolution in support of the Tufts Dining Workers campaign, “One Job Should be Enough” with a copy forwarded to President A. Monoco of Tufts University.