USF Workers Protest Outsourced Jobs, Lower Wages

0:00Workers at the University of South Florida hit the streets Wednesday, protesting for better wages and benefits. These janitors, electricians, grounds keepers and maintenance crews keep the campus running smooth, but they're struggling to make ends meet after the school outsourced their jobs to SSC services for education. The switch happened recently and now they've got lower pay with just 1.5% annual raises, price your health care, fewer holidays, and let's pay time off. Union leaders from 32 BJSEIU say these used to be solid family supporting gigs, but privatization blindsided everyone and stripped away. Pensions too. Folks like janitor Ashley Phillix are feeling the pinch hard, choosing between groceries and rent some months. Maintenance tech on X Cortez calls it a career, not charity. They just want respect for their pro-skills and fair treatment as they eye retirement, without guarantees. Negotiations with SSC are dragging on, and the union's not happy with the offer so far.

1:03Leaders like Andy Cabrera plan to ramp up pressure, even hinting at strikes if demands aren't met. SSC insists they're bargaining in good faith, committed to a fair deal while supporting the campus community. Keep an eye on this, could shake up how universities handle their essential workers moving forward. Stay informed with Teva Bay News today. AI-powered updates. I'm Corey with The Story.