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The university and the unions are not the only ones getting involved in the state of the subcontracted workers – many students have gotten involved as well.

If the subcontracted workers are hired as university employees, it could mean that operating costs may go up.

Several students said they would support the workers’ right to organize and become direct employees even if it meant an increase in parking permit fees, though they do not think the university is justified in making such an increase.

Because the parking system is entirely self supporting, any increase in parking operating costs would translate directly to increased parking permit fees paid by UCLA students, staff, and faculty, according to Associate Director of Transportation Services Renee Fortier.

“I don’t think that they should do anything that compromises either student fees or worker’s rights,” said Germän Gurrola, a fourth-year anthropology student and consciencia libre member, who worked to unionize ASUCLA workers as direct employees.

This year, students demonstrated in front of the chancellor’s office with workers, spoke to administrators on their behalf, and participated in candlelight vigils supporting their right to organize.

In a similar situation last year – when the Associated Students of UCLA was subcontracting food service workers – students made constant demonstrations and drew up petitions. Almost a hundred students also attended key ASUCLA board meetings.

At that time, the Undergraduate Students Association Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting the workers’ right to organize and to become direct ASUCLA employees. In addition, several faculty members signed a petition supporting the workers.

ASUCLA’s operating costs went up after the association decided to hire its subcontracted workers directly as ASUCLA employees. In October 2001, students voted to raise their student union fees, in part to fund their union.

The university works differently. Unlike ASUCLA, the university is run by administrators, not students. As a result, the university routinely raises housing and parking fees with less student input.

Internal Vice President-elect Allende Palma-Saracho, said he would support a fee increase that would go in part to making the workers direct employees.

He also said he would support a similar resolution and would work on the situation over the summer.

Other students said they hope these subcontracted workers will soon be hired directly as UCLA employees just like the ASUCLA subcontracted workers were.

“This isn’t just about students for workers but the workers for workers and the students for students ... it’s about improving lives and working as a community,” said Seth Cohen, an organizer for the Student Worker Front and fourth-year political science student. “We led the fight last year and we are leading the fight this year,” Cohen said.