Editor's Note: Elaine Carswell was part of an eight-person delegation of Sodexo workers and unionists from the United Kingdom and France, who visited the U.S. the week of April 12 - 16, speaking with Sodexo workers from George Mason University and Ohio State University, and participating in the action April 16 at Sodexo's U.S. headquarters. Elaine is a worker from the U.K. who is organizing with the British union Unison.

Thank you once again for the amazing experience! I had a blast! Alas, now it's up to me to make this experience count.

It was a fantastic opportunity to see firsthand the price people will pay for others: the risk of workers having no job if they speak up for what should be a given - dignity and respect! To have the right to be paid a fair pay for a fair day's work, the right to have health insurance, sick pay, pension rights and even a contract of employment!

I was truly humbled by this experience, especially when I know that we have it a lot easier here in Scotland in comparison. I will of course reiterate that we are not immune to viruses, and what is spreading in the USA could very well be caught here; therefore prevention is always better than cure. We need to stay vigilant and recognise the signs of the times.

Companies like Sodexo are not respecters of people; they will infect whoever they want if we let them. I will continue to tell others of the price that has been paid for us by people such as Andy and more recently Marcia, and I join with you all in spirit and mind, emotion and will to make a difference to those who are indeed our inspiration.

Please thank everyone on my behalf for making my stay a positive experience.

Yours in solidarity, up with the workers - down with Sodexo!