By Kendall Robertson

UNBC Cafeteria Staff Rally for Better Wages

Nov 8, 2017 | 3:04 PM

Cafeteria staff at UNBC were supported by faculty, students, and members of the public in the first rally held by food service workers since the University’s opening. The workers were rallying against their employer, Compass Group, after they say they were only offered a 20 cent per hour raise after months of negotiations. Long term employees say they’ve been left behind, as their coworkers move on to better paying jobs. “We want an increase, I think we are the best workers and we work like it’s our own business,” said Evelyn Johnston, a 15 year employee at the cafeteria,  “if you work for a long time in the business, you’re a fast worker. They’re not noticing us.”

Compass Group is contracted to UNBC, it provides food services for schools, hospitals, and other businesses like the CN Centre. Representatives say negotiators have agreed to pay more into the workers benefits program and to create a pension plan. “We are looking to come to a positive resolution with them,we hope that once they see the package in it’s entirety they will be happy with how it’s all broken in,” said Compass Group Communications Director, Stephanie  Baxter.

Union members say another round of negotiations are scheduled for November 17th.