EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) — Approximately 500 food service and hospitality staff members at Northwestern University have initiated a strike due to the absence of a contract since last August.
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On Monday, a group consisting of cooks, cashiers, baristas, dishwashers, and catering employees, all employed by Compass Group at Northwestern University, staged a protest near Chicago and Sheridan.
Union members said they’re fighting for a fair contract with family-sustaining wages and increased pension contributions.
Most hospitality and food service workers on campus are immigrants and people of color.
Many are long-term employees who have served students and staff for decades, the union said.
Compass Group stated that their most recent contract proposal encompassed an immediate 16% salary increase for all staff, retroactive bonuses, $7 per hour wage hikes throughout the contract duration, 13 paid holidays, 10 sick days, and an 80% surge in pension contributions.
The Compass Group issued the following statement:
“It’s unfortunate that despite making significant progress with our most recent offer- which we believe aligned with the Union’s key requests, the Union did not allow our employees to vote on the Company’s last proposal.”
The university also saying it a statement:
“We understand the importance of the ongoing contract negotiations and hope for a swift and equitable resolution.”
The university said Sargent and Allison dining halls are still open during this strike, as well as retail spaces in Norris.
The union said they are prepared to strike as long as it takes.
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