City Schools' Cafeteria Workers Conditions Deplorable

All of us who have gone to school have wonderful memories of those formative years in grade school, learning and interacting with others. That extends into our high school years, collecting memories. Some memories we remember more than others, but this writer is convinced that just about everyone will remember someone who worked in the school cafeteria. Yes, those tireless workers who are up at the crack of dawn year-round to greet and serve the children. When students get to school in the morning, the first people they see are most often the cafeteria workers who are ready to serve them breakfast. The sight of those cafeteria workers standing at their positions in the line is a welcomed sight for many hungry kids. Those dedicated people know these kids as well as they know their own, seeing them every day. Those who serve say that what they do, is a “labor of love” because they love who they call “their” kids. The Monroe Dispatch spoke to some who are on the “front” lines and what their day entails from the time they clock in until the time they leave when their day is over. When the first of hundreds of kids descend into the eating area, everything is already prepared. Things were going well until the pandemic days; now, Monroe City Schools cafeteria employees say that work conditions have changed drastically, and they find themselves understaffed because of shortages in the workforce. Those employees that spoke to the Monroe Dispatch told of cafeteria employees having to wear several hats (or doing many things) because of the shortages in personnel, where even managers must abandon their jobs in order to help and assist the few employees serving on the lines because there is a time limit to not only serving breakfast but also serving lunch.

Monroe City Schools leaders say that its aware of the current situation, and its solution is to hire substitutes to make up for any shortfalls but those that spoke to the Monroe Dispatch say that is not working. The school board only wants a sub to work from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Breakfast is over and lunch will soon begin, leaving an already depleted staff having to hustle with the regular staff to clean up after breakfast and ensure everything is in place for lunch. Lunch is fast-paced for a depleted staff because, in the remaining time left before their day ends, many things need to be done for the next day, as cafeteria employees have to be off the clock on time. Many managers and staff become overwhelmed by the work; some even mentioned quitting but say they stay because they are there for the kids. As mentioned earlier, managers can’t do their paperwork, having to help out those on the serving line. Supervisors are non-existent as they are said to be “watching cameras” of the staff while expecting managers to complete their work by the end of the day. Employees are required to check emails, but once they respond, it may take several days before employees receive a reply. Supervisors are said to have issues associated with auditing that the school board is allegedly aware of, but somehow managers are blamed. Many schools within the system are suffering from shortages in the cafeteria. Employees that spoke out say that more full-time people need to be hired and that they should be paid a salary that will keep them employed in the system. Four hours a day equals 20 hours a week if a sub works the full week. Then there is the fact that they are paid once a month. There are no benefits for subs, making the job less attractive for someone who wants to be taken seriously.

At the recent school board meeting, there was a few words mentioned by the board, with member Daryl Berry saying that the board is aware and is looking into ways to address the situation, sharing that something will be done. In the meantime, cafeteria employees are facing days where they know what to expect and what is expected of them when they clock in. Those who spoke to the Monroe Dispatch feel that they are “forgotten” and that no one listens. It is, as one employee said, they are behind a curtain that no one looks behind it, as a visit by a school board member or even Superintendent Vidrine is as rare as a blue moon. Perhaps if more in the community were aware of how cafeteria employees have to maneuver their work day, even just for them to take a work break or even lunch, while trying to cover for one another, that may persuade the school board to make changes that they know are needed. There is no doubt that cafeteria employees feel burnout and stress from their work time on some days, but they still come in and do their jobs. They are there for all our kids, probably knowing many of them by their names and teachers. They are sometimes a parent to them when they are not at home. They also know how important it is for them to eat a good meal, sometimes “seconds” for some. Those that are in a position of authority to effect changes for the benefit of cafeteria employees know that the current situation should not continue. Good pay and working conditions are important for employees, but good morale goes even further. A good employer knows that without even asking. The Monroe City School Board knows what its front-line employees, the ones who show up every day, need(not want), a job that has honor in it because even though those cafeteria employees may feel forgotten, what they do, is a labor of love. They are, in many respects, heroes to our kids.