By Ashley Nguyen
The ACLC, employees and contracted workers at UF, and community allies are actively
campaigning for a $15 minimum wage at UF, as well as the right for workers to unionize without
obstruction from administration. On the wages paid by UF and contracted companies like
Aramark, many employees and contract workers face the harsh reality of living paycheck to
paycheck. A $15 minimum wage is the first step in achieving a better standard of material well-
being for workers who are integral to the daily campus functions. UF is one of the largest
employers in Alachua County, but many employees and contracted workers make well below a
living wage. Workers at UF, particularly Aramark contracted employees routinely share stories
of wage theft, poor management and revocation of sick leave.
At the university level, the ACLC has been partnering with the Young Democratic
Socialists of Gainesville (YDSA GNV) on a Fight For $15 campaign at the University of Florida.
Members have engaged in meaningful conversations and contact discussions with workers,
specifically contracted Aramark employees, about working conditions and workplace abuses at
the University. While UF service employees and contracted Aramark workers are willing to
engage with ACLC and YDSA GNV organizers and share their stories regarding struggles in the
workplace, they have asked that community members and students support this campaign by
rallying around Fight for $15 and the right to form a union without administration from
university officials. Without this crucial support, UF workers feel that they will not have the
requisite insulation from UF hostility as they take steps to build a more fair and just work
environment.
At the City level, the Gainesville City Commission has heard ACLC demands for a more
just Living Wage Ordinance.
These changes would apply to businesses who contract with the city.
The major changes we are seeking are:
● To close the loopholes which allow businesses to skirt the living wage ordinance.
● Lower threshold from current $100,000 to $50,000 so it applies to more contractors.
● Tie the living wage standard to the wage of the lowest-paid regular city employee which
is currently at $13.75/hr. The current ordinance is $12.38/hr which encourages
outsourcing.
● Use the Affordable Care Act market rate (currently $2.17/hr) as opposed to the current
arbitrary $1.25/hr to determine the true cost of healthcare.
● Remove exemption for incarcerated workers.
These changes would build on the successful Alachua County Government Living Wage
Ordinance passed in 2016 by the ACLC.
If you would like to get involved with this campaign, please reach out to
info@laborcoalition.org.