Living Wage Campaign Hunger Strike Enters Day Five

Back to News
Updated: 8:13 PM Feb 22, 2012 Living Wage Campaign Hunger Strike Enters Day Five Students from University of Virginia who are part of the living wage campaign are in day five of their hunger strike. The students are protesting the University to make sure all workers get paid at least $13.00 an hour. Posted: 8:02 PM Feb 22, 2012 Reporter: Chris Stover Email Address: chris.stover@newsplex.com

Font Size:

February 22, 2012

Students from the University of Virginia participating in the living wage campaign are in day five of their hunger strike. The students are protesting the University to make sure all workers get paid at least $13.00 an hour.

Three more protesters have joined the hunger strike. There are 18 participants in the protests and the effects of not eating is starting to set in.

"I feel a little bit tired, obviously a little bit hungry, said Living Wage protester Marguerite Beattie.

Local dietitians say the symptoms of long-term malnourishment include nausea, headaches, weakness and forget fullness.

Some University employees are pleased that the students are protesting and plan to join them in their efforts.

" We want to get this work out to the entire nation, and a hunger strike is a good way to make that happen,"said Brad Sayler of the University of Virginia Civil Engineering Department.

City Councilor Kristin Szakos spoke to the group Thursday and says they are making a strong statement through their protest.

" I know that you think of them every day as you do this, and I thank you on behalf of our community," said Szakos.

The University of Virginia Board of Visitors were on campus Monday, students hope once they leave they'll have a living wage in place for all the university's employees.

The protesters say they're not going to give up their hunger strike until the University gives all staff members a living wage.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Kl4765 Location: Cville on Feb 23, 2012 at 10:41 PM

This whole thing is ridiculous. If you want to make more money, get an education. I grew up in a lower middle class family (family of 6 that made less than 40,000 a year) and didn't have squat, but you know what? I worked two or three jobs and took out student loans to put myself through college and med school. Now, as a resident working 80 hours a week, my salary isn't all that much more than 13 dollars an hour. Explain to me why I should care about this? If you want more than 13 dollars a hour, go to school or learn a trade or work an extra job. You know, actually work for something instead of whining about it.

Posted by: G on Feb 23, 2012 at 09:30 PM

Translation: Only talk about things I deem worthy. Don't rock the boat, now. Good grief, the people here are idiots.

Posted by: MB Location: Charlottesville on Feb 23, 2012 at 05:21 PM

I'm fairly neutral on this issue, but what strikes me from these comments is that the movement is opposed vitriolically by conservative voices, and being tagged as "liberal." I will agree that the cause is humanitarian, and that humanitarian movements tend to be leftist-leaning; what shocks me, however, is that conservatives are not on board with the movement. On their current salary, certain UVA employees fall short of their necessary means to survive. This entitles these employees to reach out to the government for assistance and "handouts." By increasing the salaries of these employees, some would no longer be eligible for government assistance. The net effect would be to decrease government involvement and cut government spending. Both of these goals seem to be in line with conservative dogma. Increasing the wages switches the onus from the tax payers to the corporations.

Click here to post or read all 17 comments.

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