Editor,
There have been multiple letters in the Daily Lobo concerning Aramark's contract here at UNM.
Robert-Paul LeMay, Chris Cuellar, Amanda Skotchdopole and David Martinez have all stated the same facts: Students do not have to eat Aramark food, or it's not that bad.
However, these letters only hit the surface of the problem. These students clearly do not know what it is that other individuals on campus are fighting for.
The biggest problem is not the quality of the food but the treatment of workers and the techniques Aramark has used at other schools to rip off students.
Aramark has been known to cheat workers out of salaries and tips. Even in Los Alamos, Aramark had to pay over $150,000 in back wages and fringe benefits to 72 current and former food-service employees.
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If you don't believe me, you can read all about it in New Mexico Business Weekly on April 12. This is one example of many cases of Aramark's exploitations of workers.
As far as ripping off students is concerned, just take a look at the meal plans at Arizona State University. Here is an excerpt from the Sun Devils' own paper from Jan. 25: "The biggest issue was the cost of the meal plans, which created heated discussion among council members. Currently, the cheapest meal plan - which is all Maroon & Gold dollars - costs $1,900. According to Aramark's plans for next fall, incoming on-campus freshmen will have to choose between three meal plans, the cheapest costing more than $3,400."
Before Aramark landed at ASU, the original plan was $500. Hmm. You think the Sun Devils might be getting ripped off?
As far as comparing Chartwells at New Mexico Tech to a Chartwells at UNM, I must say it's an unfair comparison.
UNM is the flagship university of New Mexico. Therefore, we can pay for better facilities and quality food. And for further comparison, does New Mexico Tech have a group of students, staff, faculty and administrators all working together to ensure the best-quality, best-priced, organic and local options, along with better treatment to workers and standing as a watchdog against ripping off students?
If you really want to know what concerns us about food on campus, come and talk to us. But please, do not assume that we are just assuming.
Katryn E. Fraher
UNM student
