Food employees unionized at Western

Food Service employees who work less than 24 hours per week will soon have more perks than just free food. Members of Hospitality Group C voted to unionize last Monday with 127 of their 300-member workforce voting “yes.”

“All other food services employees are unionized so this can assist in having consistency and equality in working conditions and compensation for all persons doing the same work,” Michelle Peckham, chief steward for the Canadian Union of Public Employees for Local 2692, explained.

The food service workers will be represented by the same union that represents other food service workers, all plant and maintenance employees and several other small groups on campus.

Peckham hoped the collective approach would lead to the Group C employees receive similar benefits to all other food service workers on campus.

She noted the turnout appeared low, but it was not uncommon for part-time workers to see a low turnout for votes.

“It is not unusual with part-time and casual staff to have lower turnouts for a vote. The results show a clear majority and we have already started a one-on-one personal greeting campaign for our new members.”