The prolonged labour dispute is over between cafeteria workers at the University of Northern BC and the school’s food provider, Compass Group.
An agreement has been reached between the two sides aimed at addressing pay and job security concerns for workers. Workers at UNBC’s Agora Dining Hall and Tim Hortons will receive, at minimum, $2/hour raises and additional bonus pay. Entry-level wages for new workers will also increase “substantially” to better meet the cost of living in Prince George.
New pension and medical benefits are also included in the agreement, as well as stronger anti-harassment and anti-discrimination standards.
“We are very pleased that these issues could be resolved before it came to a strike. We feel this agreement addresses our concerns and allows us to continue providing service to the students who rely on us,” said Jeannie Gilbert, a cook at UNBC’s Agora Dining Hall, in a statement.
The contract will reopen in January if UNBC does not extend its contract with Compass Group by December 31st of this year.
In September, workers issued a 72-hour strike notice after no significant progress was made through negotiations. Job action had been held by workers on several occasions since the contract expired in April 2017.
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