UNBC's cafeteria workers have unanimously ratified a new agreement with the university's food provider, their union said Thursday.
The settlement averts a strike after members of Unite Here Local 40 issued 72-hour strike notice three weeks ago against their employer, Compass Group.
Workers at UNBC's Agora dining hall and Tim Hortons will get raises of at least $2 per hour and bonus pay while entry-level wages will increase substantially, the union said.
The agreement establishes a new pension benefit for workers, significantly improves medical benefits and enshrines strong anti-harassment and anti-discrimination standards.
Members also achieved a path to job security. The contract will reopen in January if UNBC does not extend its contract with Compass by December 31.
"We are very pleased that these issues could be resolved before it came to a strike," said Jeannie Gilbert, a cook at the dining hall. "We feel this agreement addresses our concerns and allows us to continue providing service to the students who rely on us.
