The ranch continues to be accused of paying workers unfair wages, not providing health benefits and providing unsafe living and working conditions. The student newspaper this spring reported that prior to a new contract singed last year, workers earned between minimum wage and $7.33 per hour while grounds workers at Stanford start at twice the wages Webb workers receive, and they also receive full benefits.
The organizers of a petition to let the lease expire argue that extending the lease with the ranch is tantamount to the university perpetuating poor labor practices and the unfair treatment of workers. Stanford officials have and continue to contend that it doesn't interfere with third parties who lease their land, and that any University involvement would be no different than interfering with worker-management relations of its other tenants, such as Macy's at the Stanford Shopping Center. Petitioners say that would be an appropriate action if working conditions at Macy's dropped to that of Webb Ranch. Moreover, they say Stanford has a moral obligation to use its leverage to improve working conditions.
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