Sodexo, the food service company that manages Howard University’s cafeteria workers, agreed to raise wages by $7.50 after employees took their frustrations to social media last week. The workers met on Monday to discuss the negotiations of their contract. 

As a part of negotiations, employees will not only receive a raise, but they will also have increased sick days, paid holidays, and a joint labor union to keep watch of disrespect and mistreatment of workers. 

In an Instagram video, Jacqueline, who has been working in Howard University’s cafeteria for thirty years, said she feels the workers get thrown under the bus. 

“We are the lowest paid food service workers at colleges. I was born and raised in Washington, D.C., so the cost of living is very, very high, and I'm a single mother. I like the job, but I would love the wages to meet the cost of living”, she said. 

Students have raised concerns about the wages the Sodexo workers receive in the past. In February 2020, the Sodexo workers made $14.50 an hour, which was lower than any other University in Washington, D.C. 

Beatrice Olivier, a sophomore environmental science major from Louisville, Kentucky, believes that workers shouldn't have to fight for the wage that they deserve. 

“I think it’s ridiculous that the cafeteria workers must go to such lengths to get what they deserve. Many of these cafe workers have been working here for 5+ years, and you think they would get paid a decent wage, especially since the cost of living is so high right now in D.C. These cafe workers have much more impact than many people think. There have been times when I’ve been having a bad day, and a simple ‘Hey, pumpkin’ or ‘How was your day?’ made it much brighter,” Oliver expressed. 

The terms of the contract were simple—a livable wage, healthcare, and an overall improvement in inhumane working conditions. 

Students rallied on K St., to fight on behalf of the beloved HU faculty.  The organizers were Students for Socialism, a student-led group that focuses on organizing and advocating for the voiceless.