Workers' rights need recognition

Duke Students Against Sweatshops members are doing our part. We asked the University community a question that was unavoidable and challenging —don’t Angelica workers deserve a living wage? While he did not sanction our action, President Richard Brodhead was right to encourage students to engage in the University community and the broader community and work for their passions that “transcend homework.”

The situation and voices of campus workers are often pushed aside, which is why we remained on stage with the banner even after being asked, in solidarity with all Duke employees who are not paid enough or given fair benefits. The University is not doing enough for its workers.

For the Angelica hospital laundry workers, contrary to President Brodhead’s response, there are many serious labor law charges (in violation of Duke’s contract) that have now been found meritorious against the Durham facility. Many more charges are pending. We have met with President Brodhead and the administration many times, and the response has not changed. President Brodhead should not be idle while these charges accumulate. He should act immediately to recognize the workers’ rights and demands.

However, solving the Angelica problem is not enough. Duke needs a true living wage for all employees, including contracted ones, not an arbitrary minimum of $10. As Durham’s largest employer, Duke makes a huge impact upon the community. That impact should be summarily positive.

Under student pressure, Georgetown announced Thursday its plans to provide all workers, hired and outsourced, a living wage. Durham County has a living wage ordinance for all its employees, and it is time for Duke to as well.

Tuesday, President Brodhead quoted William Blake, “without contraries is no progression.” The quote continues, “Attraction and repulsion, reason and energy, love and hate, are necessary to human existence.” It is the energy of students and many other community members who are engaged that help drive this university, and indeed, society at large, to betterment.

Chris Paul