Along with changes and updates coming to the dining halls, changes to the staff are happening too. Layoffs happened recently after Cal State Bakersfield got rid of chain food services such as Starbucks and Panda Express due to an expiring contract with Aramark.  

Alex Martinez Serrato, a student at CSUB, heard from a professor about what was happening to the workers and has since decided to help advocate on social media. She talked to the workers who told her about how the school’s contract with Aramark has come to an end. There has been a switch in services to where these employees are no longer needed despite being full time workers who have worked there for over 20 years. She also explained on social media about how the switch also brings forth some positions for student workers who will work part time which is costing the school less money since student workers do not get benefits such as these other workers and must work less hours.  

Serrato also explained how these food staff workers would also have to reapply for these jobs they currently had, although the school has already claimed to have replaced them with pre-existing staff. If they would’ve reapplied and been considered they would’ve also had been paid less than what they were initially getting. Because these workers are employees through Aramark not CSUB the school administration claims they cannot do anything through the changes.  

“They also let me know that through the changes in food providers, the workers had always been kept on,” Serrato explained. 

Lastly, Serrato stated that Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Kristen Watson talked with some of these workers and also sent an email before their last day. During this conversation Watson told these workers, “there are better opportunities in that organization…and there are a variety of things for you to do.” Although she stated this, the last thing she said in regard to other positions is that she cannot guarantee what it will exactly look like for them.  

After talking to Serrato, she explained she feels it is important to advocate for these workers who have been serving for years and wants to share this with students who may not know this is occurring. “A lot of the students were surprised that this was even happening.”