Food Service Staff Stage Sit In At UNBC
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PRINCE GEORGE — Cafeteria staff sub-contracted to UNBC held a protest today, calling on the University to help in their fight for better wages. Staff also held a protest in November, where they said some long-term staff members are making less than 15 dollars an hour, and that’s not enough to cover the cost of living in the North. After months of negotiations, workers say they have managed to get better benefits from their employer, Compass Group, but will only receive a 2 cent raise. Now, they’re asking for the University to step in and take responsibility for what they’re calling poverty wages. “The goal is for them to step up, do the right thing, even though we’re sub-contracted, recognize us as part of this University,” said shop steward and cook, Jeannie Gilbert. “We’ve made progress on our benefits but it has come to a grinding halt.”
The University says it can’t comment on third-party negotiations. Workers staged a sit-in at the president’s office this afternoon and managed to get a private meeting with Provost, Dan Ryan. No cameras were allowed in that meeting.
A Compass Group representative says progress is being made to make a negotiated settlement. However, cafeteria staff walked out of both meetings this week, and are calling on the University and Labour Board to mediate.
