Employees continue protesting
By Matt Rupel
The scene last Friday was a familiar one as Bon Appétit employees marched from Shapell Lounge outside of Benson to Market Street, holding signs that called for respect, equality and justice.
"(The way we are treated) is just not nice," said Flor Barrientos, a shop steward in Benson. "Fabio (Soto, the general manager of Bon Appétit) always says, ‘Give me more time, Flor,' but we still have problems."
Soto pointed to the fact that issues the workers have are being resolved at a quick rate. "In the past two months, since the last rally, we have resolved 32 of 39 complaints and grievances," he said. Soto also said that the frustrations aren't shared by all of the employees.
One employee felt that the rally was uncalled for. "I was disappointed," she said, "(Soto) is a good manager, he just has to make stressful decisions. My co-workers need to be more patient."
Alvin Patino, the union representative for the Benson employees, said that it is a matter of resolution. "The concerns are being addressed," he said, "they just aren't being resolved."
Another issue that the workers rallied around was to show appreciation for Michael Brinkman, the senior executive chef at Benson.
Bon Appétit had planned to move Brinkman up north to Stanford, but due to a strong response from the staff, it was decided, before the rally, to keep him at Santa Clara.
Emma Gallardo, a Bon Appétit employee who worked in Benson for six years, felt that there was no need for a rally. "I feel very embarrassed," she said. "I think (Soto) is a very good manager, he's very respectful."
One issue that the workers expressed was that there has been an increase in the number of employees being let go. Barrientos said that one shop steward was fired for taking $3 from the cash register. "That's just not nice," she said.
Others, however, feel this is justified. "If I'm caught taking cookies or giving out free food, I know I'm risking my job," said an anonymous employee.
Contact Matt Rupel at mrupel@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4546.