Ariel University cafeterias agree to lower prices following two week student boycott

According to accord, the cafeterias and coffee shops will sell coffee and a pastry for 10 NIS.

By LIDAR GRAVÉ-LAZI
Ariel University Students Union 370 (photo credit: Ariel University Students Union)
Ariel University Students Union 370
(photo credit: Ariel University Students Union)
Ariel University cafeterias agreed to dramatically lower prices on Tuesday, following a two-week boycott organized by the student union to protest the high prices of coffee and food.
The student union initially attempted to reach an understanding with the cafeterias to lower prices for basic goods while simultaneously urging students not to make any campus food purchases. But when cafeteria owners refused to lower the prices the students decided to intensify the boycott.
The student union set up several stands next to the cafeterias, and distributed sandwiches and sodas to students, who in return contributed to the effort. In addition, “coffee trust” stations were set up throughout the University whereby students could make their own cup of coffee for one NIS and choose to make additional financial contributions towards the struggle.
After two weeks of university wide striking, the students’ efforts finally paid off, “The union welcomes the agreement to reduce prices in cafeterias across the campus. Our struggle against the cafeterias was just, and we are proud that we were able to act to reduce prices.
“The student union will continue to work for the rights, welfare and interests of the student body at Ariel University,” said Dor Dashan, chairman of the Student Union at Ariel University.
The initial decision to strike came following a survey conducted by www.Mako.co.il that revealed that prices at Ariel University were among the highest in all categories – coffee, sandwiches, bottled beverages, pastries and snacks.
According to the findings a small bottle of coke at Ariel University cost seven NIS, compared to 4.30 NIS at Tel Aviv University and 2.80 NIS at the Technion University.
A cup of coffee at Ariel University cost four NIS, compared to three NIS at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Furthermore an omelet sandwich at Ariel University costs between 9-10 NIS compared to seven NIS at the Technion and 4.7 NIS at Haifa University.
According to the accord, the cafeterias and coffee shops will sell coffee and a pastry for 10 NIS, a sandwich and a soda for 10 NIS, bagel toast for 10 NIS and a lunch deal – including a main meat dish, a side, a salad and a soda – for 25 NIS.
“Great job on the effort and success in lowering prices,” an Ariel University student wrote on the Student Union Facebook page, “bottom line, how long could the students have kept up the strike, especially in the rain?”