Pomona College and UNITE HERE Local 11, the union representing the college’s dining service employees, began negotiations on Sept. 8 for a new collective bargaining agreement.
Elias Pluecker PO ’28, student organizer for UNITE HERE and a member of the Pomona chapter of the Claremont Student Worker Alliance (CSWA) and, said that many employees are struggling to make ends meet and often commute from far away, unable to afford living closer to the college.
Tag: Frary Dining Hall
Pomona ASPC and CSWA continue efforts to reinstate dining hall worker Rolando Araiza
ASPC unanimously voted to pass a CSWA-backed resolution that demands the rehiring of Frary dining hall cook and union leader Rolando Araiza on Thursday. The decision solidifies ASPC’s support in presenting the resolution to the Pomona College administration.
Since Araiza’s termination Jan. 29, CSWA has collaborated with students and dining hall staff to collect over 900 signatures from the 5C community in support of Araiza’s reinstatement.
“The support from the students was really powerful and heartwarming and meant a lot to the workers,” CSWA member and author of the resolution Elias Pleucker PO ’28 said.
Moving forward, ASPC President Grace Zheng PO ’26 said it will be up to the two sponsors, Murphy-Pearson and Vice President of Student Affairs Ireland Griffin PO ’26, to spearhead the next steps in fulfilling the resolution’s demands.
OPINION: Confronting food anxiety at the 5Cs
Maintaining a healthy relationship with food in college can feel like an uphill battle. Estranged from eating routines and support structures from back home, students are left to go into the panopticon that is the college dining hall and the freedom of unlimited food options becomes a source of anxiety. Sarah Russo PO ’28 explores how the transition to college dining can complicate our relationship with food, especially for those with a history of disordered eating.
Luka to the Lakers or Malott brunch to Pomona: NBA trades in 5C terms
Mac Kelley and other 5C community members react to and recap two recent blockbuster trades in the NBA leading up to the Feb. 6 trade deadline. After the deadline, the landscape of the league will be drastically different, so take a look into the minds of 5C NBA fans.
Frary Snack makes a one-time comeback
Over 1,000 students gathered at Pomona College’s Frary dining hall on the evening of Mar. 1 for a one-time return of the pre-pandemic tradition, Frary Snack, surprising organizers with a turnout far exceeding the expected 200. The event featured a special breakfast menu, performances by a cappella groups Midnight Echo and Mood Swing, and was a nostalgic revival of a beloved community tradition, sparking hope for its future recurrence.
Starr receives criticism after response to Dec. 8 student demonstrations
On Saturday, Dec. 9, Pomona College President G. Gabrielle Starr sent an email to the Pomona student body condemning what she described as “two unacceptable incidents involving intimidation and conduct intended to physically restrain a student” that occurred the previous day. The incidents she referenced took place on Friday, Dec.
Workers raise concerns about staffing shortages at Pomona dining halls
This month, staffing shortages at Pomona College dining halls led to the temporary closure of the Coop Fountain. Dining management claims these shortages are the result of excessive staff call-outs, but workers allege that the effects of these shortages have been exacerbated by mismanagement.
OPINION: Respect for dining hall workers starts with a smile
Lizette Gonzalez PO ’27 has an important message: Say “hello” and “thank you” to our dining workers.
OPINION: The unintended consequences of Meatless Mondays
Frary’s Meatless Mondays have environmental benefits, but pose a danger by encouraging restrictive eating, argues Madison Lewis PO ‘24.
EDITORIAL BOARD: Pomona, it’s time to set a new precedent — put workers first
As Pomona dining hall workers strike this weekend, the Editorial Board calls upon Pomona administration to treat workers with respect and to not repeat previous mistakes.








