The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has decided to outsource its campus dining services.
University President Juliette Bell called this a difficult decision after protests from some 70 employees who would be affected.
But she said that this would fill a void for students who find the dining options limited in the college town.
Meanwhile, the affected employees could reapply for their jobs.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees which represents them sharply criticized Bell calling the move a corporate handout that would drive workers below the federal poverty level.
The union charges that outsourcing could mean a major cut in the hourly pay of $11 an hour.