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WHEREAS, labor unions are critical in protecting workers and ensuring that workers are paid a living wage, given better working conditions, and provided a voice on the job; AND,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh has a rich history as a union town, and the City of Pittsburgh is committed to standing with union workers; AND,
WHEREAS, the hourly workers of Sodexo Live! at Phipps Conservatory are publicly standing up and demanding a fair process to form a union with SEIU Local 32BJ in order to negotiate fair pay, better working conditions, and respect and dignity on the job; AND,
WHEREAS, in January 2024, Phipps Conservatory announced it would put the work performed by these workers out to bid; AND,
WHEREAS, in April 2024, Sodexo Live! workers delivered a petition calling upon their employer to remain neutral and establish a fair process allowing them to exercise their decision to form a union, and calling upon Phipps Conservatory leadership to hold Sodexo Live! accountable and support the workers in their organizing efforts; AND,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby call on Phipps Conservatory leadership to respect the rights and recognize the value of their workers to ensure that the incumbent workers are hired by any contractor chosen; AND,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh stands by workers and hereby calls on Phipps Conservatory leadership to direct Sodexo Live! to immediately agree to a fair organizing process, retain current workers, and fulfill their role as stewards of one of Pittsburgh’s most celebrated and iconic public spaces.