The following statement on the student-led hunger strike at Tufts should be attributed to Roxana Rivera, Vice President of 32BJ SEIU, the union representing contracted janitorial staff at Tufts University:

“The students at Tufts University who are calling for the preservation of essential jobs on their campus deserve enormous credit taking initiative on this critical economic justice issue. The Tufts Labor Coalition is an inspiring, student-led effort that for years has been working to defend workers’ rights in campus. They recognize how much the workers at Tufts contribute to the campus community and the world beyond its gates. The students who chose bold action and engaged in a hunger strike deserve our unconditional support and respect.”
“The hunger strikers should know that 32BJ SEIU janitors appreciate the students’ courage.  SEIU 32Bj hopes for quick end to the hunger strike and a just outcome for the whole Tufts community.”

With 145,000 members in 11 states–including nearly 18,000 in Massachusetts–32BJ SEIU is the largest property services union in the country.

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