Our opinion: Rehiring not enough

By TSC editorial board

And just like that, a problem is solved. Or is it?

Recently, Bon Appetit, Santa Clara's food service provider, rehired three of its workers after allegations arose of the unfair terminations and suspensions of its employees. Santa Clara Community Action Program's (SCCAP) Labor Action Committee organized rallies last month protesting the terminations of two employees, who were both on medical leave at the time of their dismissal. The rally also contested the suspension of union steward Thomas English, whose job was put on hold after allegedly requesting a 15-minute break. In actuality, English had been vocal about his concerns, and given the quick about-face by Bon Appetit management, we question whether the suspension was over more than such a request.

But simply rehiring workers is not enough, especially when their firings were rectified by quick reinstatements after a student outcry. Associated Students (AS) is in the process of drafting a resolution to support the workers, but they have received little feedback from Bon Appetit. Casey Enarson, the resident district manager for Bon Appetit, refuses to talk to The Santa Clara about such issues.

We ask, why?

If any significant changes are to be made to improve relations between Bon Appetit and its workers, more dialogue must be facilitated between the two groups. If AS passes this resolution, it will be their first -- and clearly not one crafted in vain. This paper ran two stories in recent weeks on the mounting concerns of workers and employees. But our jobs as reporters and elected officials are to ask questions, and stonewalling raises more questions as to the sincerity of Bon Appetit's desire to improve worker relations.

If Enarson truly sees this as "big family," he should be concerned that many workers are upset about their current status within the company. These are not employees with hidden agendas. These are workers who want fairness, and who cannot express their grievances if they fear termination. While Bon Appetit's management says things are fine -- but at the same time employees sing a different tune -- this page sees the need for more discourse to quell a potential snowball problem down the road.

That's all we ask.