Work Experiences of University Janitors and Cafeteria Employees: Labor Relations and Notions of Self

In a private university in northern California which stands out for its academic excellence and social values, employees work on a daily basis in the cafeteria services and Facilities department (custody and maintenance). Workers, who are mostly migrants from Latin America, are seen daily on campus cleaning dorm halls and preparing food for students, faculty, and staff. Despite the fact that their job is of utmost importance for the running of the university, their voices seem to go unheard in the community. As part of her research, Radovic Fanta conducted fieldwork in 2004 with the purpose of revealing the work experiences of service employees of the university. What are the stories of each worker? How do they perceive the students and employers? Are there characteristics of working in a university which contrast with other jobs? Through rich ethnographic information based on series of interviews, participant observation, conversations during the breaks and lunchtimes, the author brings forth a diversity of viewpoints and experiences of the cafeteria and facilities employees.