Woodland Hills food service workers approve strike authorization

Woodland Hills School District food service workers voted to strike if a new contract isn’t reached soon.

Workers have been without a contract since July 1.

Members of the Woodland Hills Cafeteria Education Support Personnel (WHCESP) on Monday approved a strike authorization if negotiations fail during an upcoming meeting on Aug. 23. Schools in the district are scheduled to open on Aug. 24.

“At this time, WHCESP will continue negotiations with the employer, Nutrition, Inc., in order to reach a fair and equitable contract settlement,” union President Kelly Piecyznski said.

There are 43 members of the food service workers union. The vote to authorize a strike was unanimous.

District officials weren’t immediately able to be reached for comment.

In a release, Piecyznski called the contract demands “reasonable and affordable,” listing a living wage as the sticking point.

Union representatives did not return phone calls Tuesday morning.

Piecyznski said in the release that food service workers deserve respect for helping to keep the district running over the course of covid-related shutdowns.

“The bargaining unit worked during the pandemic to feed district families without missing a beat,” Piecyznski said.

“All they want is a living wage and respect for the positions they hold with the company.”

Piecyznski said the strike authorization vote indicates that the union is ready to take the steps available to reach “a fair and equitable contract settlement.

“We are united and committed to resolving the remaining issues that are still under dispute.”

The district serves students from Braddock, Braddock Hills, Chalfant, Churchill, East Pittsburgh, Edgewood, Forest Hills, North Braddock, Rankin, Swissvale, Turtle Creek and Wilkins Township.