Union Victory at Yale Has Broader Significance for Labor Movement

Interview with John Wilhelm, president of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union conducted by Melinda Tuhus

On Sept. 19, workers at Yale University overwhelmingly approved new contracts after a strike lasting more than three weeks. The 1,100 maintenance and dining hall workers, joined by almost 3,000 clerical and technical workers, won higher wages, better job security, another step on the advancement ladder, and perhaps most importantly - a substantial increase in pension pay.

The Yale unions, Locals 34 and 35, belong to HERE -- the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union -- whose president, John Wilhelm, a Yale graduate, began working for the union 35 years ago. He participated in negotiations at different points in the 19-month period after the last contract expired and the strike started on Aug. 27. But once it did start, he sat in on every meeting, going head to head with Yale president Rick Levin in talks mediated by New Haven Mayor John DeStefano Jr.

The strike was settled on a Sept. 19. Three days later, Wilhelm appeared at a news conference outside Yale-New Haven Hospital with other labor leaders, elected officials, clergy and hospital workers. They were there to push for contracts for the 150 dietary workers who are members of Local 1199/SEIU and for a fair process to organize the other 1,700 service workers at the hospital. Between The Lines' Melinda Tuhus spoke with Wilhelm about the unique aspects of the successful fight at Yale and the significance of this victory for the rest of the labor movement.

For more information on the labor struggle at Yale, call HERE at (203) 624-5161 or visit their website at www.yaleunions.org

Related links

*"Despite End to Yale Strike, Hospital Workers' Issues Linger," by Stacey Lowe, The New York Times, Sept. 22, 2003

*"Yale Strike Over: Unions gain wage, pension increases in new 8-year pact," by Mary O'Leary, New Haven Register, Sept. 19, 2003

*"10,000 Yale strike supporters rally in New Haven City center shut down; 152 arrested," by Angela Carter, New Haven Register, Sept. 14, 2003

*"Jesse Jackson Supports Yale University Strikers; Makes Connections Between Labor and Civil Rights Struggles," Between The Lines Interview for the Week Ending 9/12/03

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