Living Wage Campaign Hunger Strike Enters 3rd Day

Back to News
Updated: 10:55 AM Feb 21, 2012 Living Wage Campaign Hunger Strike Enters 3rd Day Two dozen people are camped out in front of the Rotunda, as the hunger strike to draw attention to the Living Wage Campaign entered its third day Monday. Posted: 5:32 PM Feb 20, 2012 Reporter: Frankie Jupiter Email Address: frankie.jupiter@newsplex.com

Font Size:

February 20, 2012

Fourteen people, including a group of 12 University of Virginia students, are camped out in front of the Rotunda, as the hunger strike to draw attention to the Living Wage Campaign entered its third day on Monday.

Demonstrators are asking the administration to provide at least a living wage of $13 an hour for all employees. Joseph Williams, a third-year member of the football team, is the latest student to join the hunger strike.

"The University is not supporting all the members as it's suppose to. We feel, as students and members of the community, we have a responsibility, really an obligation, to stand up for those who aren't being represented," he said.

In a statement released on Friday, President Teresa Sullivan wrote: "The actual current minimum starting pay for an entry-level employee, including the average level of health benefits, is $14.55 per hour, exceeding the students' demand by $1.55 per hour." However, members of the Living Wage Campaign say those numbers are misleading.

"To suggest that the University currently pays more than the campaign is asking is absolutely false," said Emily Filler. "The base wage per hour that employees take home is $10.65. We're asking for $13 per hour before any benefits."

The strike does pose some health concerns. The school released a statement warning the students of not eating. Doctors say fasting limits your ability to focus on school work and may prohibit you from physically being able to attend classes. Additionally, not eating for an extended period of time can result in severe damage to the body.

"It's several weeks before a body starts to break down significantly," said Dr. Greg Gelburd. "As long as they are drinking some juices that provide some calories they will be able to sustain their general health."

Williams says he is concerned about his health, but adds there is a bigger issue at hand. "I'm concerned about to it a certain extent, but at the end of the day, this a cause that's bigger then myself and bigger than any individual, so I have an obligation to basically human-kind and the human family," he said.

In addition to raising the minimum wage, the group seeks automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments and creation of an oversight board that allows workers to voice grievances without fear of retaliation.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Steve on Feb 23, 2012 at 10:54 PM

they are just spoiled little rich kids.....

Posted by: Grace Location: Charlottesville on Feb 22, 2012 at 05:20 PM

I understand what they are doing,but in this economy everyone is struggling. I have my degree, but don't make what I "should." I think it is nice they are doing this, but look at the big picture--everyone is struggling. People should be grateful that they have jobs. I have family in a different state, who have their education but due to the economy don't have jobs.If they want to work at mcDonalds or other areas of entry level they will start at minimum wage which is far less then 12 or 13 dollars.

Posted by: lou on Feb 22, 2012 at 07:00 AM

I work for UVA and make $12.00 per hour. I pay $85.00 a month to park at UVA. Hmmmmm...at least I have a job.

Click here to post or read all 22 comments.

Live News	Weather Now	Desktop Alert
Mobile	iPhone App	Text Alerts
Facebook	Twitter	YouTube