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Food-service workers back on the job at Pitt
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A protester yells from the middle of Forbes Avenue, in Oakland, in support of Sodexo food service workers. -
Some 300 people took part in the Forbes Avenue protest. -
University of Pittsburgh police officers talk with supporters of Sodexo food service workers, who held at "sit in" in the middle of Forbes Avenue in Oakland.
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Cafeteria workers at the University of Pittsburgh returned to their jobs today following a two-day strike.
Workers represented by Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ walked off the job Monday in a contract dispute with Sodexo, which has the catering contract at Pitt.
Workers have been negotiating a new contract with the international food-service company.
About 300 people attended an SEIU-organized protest this morning that briefly blocked Forbes Avenue in Oakland.
About 10 of the participants sat down in the busy street at about 8:45 a.m., but campus police quickly escorted them to the sidewalk.
Protesters were told that they would receive citations, but spokesmen for campus and Pittsburgh police said no one had been charged.
County Executive Dan Onorato today urged both sides to return to the bargaining table. Matt Painter, a spokesman for the union, said no new talks have been scheduled. Monica Zimmer, a spokeswoman for Sodexo, said she hoped a date would be chosen soon to continue negotiations.
The old contract between Sodexo and the SEIU expired Feb. 28.
John Fedele, a spokesman for Pitt, said food service had operated normally during the walkout.
First Published April 28, 2010 2:29 pm
