How can forming a union help us? Aren’t wages set by the University?

Thousands of workers across North America who work for Aramark in universities and colleges have a union and have negotiated contracts with benefits, improvements to wages and conditions of work. We can do the same.

How is a union contract negotiated?

Once we form a union we will have meetings in which we decide what kinds of improvements we’d like to see, and we will set priorities.  At those meetings we will also elect representatives to be part of a negotiating committee who will meet with the employer to negotiate a first contract.

Throughout the process the negotiating committee will report back to the rest of the workforce. Once a tentative agreement is reached, we will all have the opportunity to vote on it.

Why SEIU?

SEIU already represents thousands of Aramark workers in North America working in grade schools, universities, colleges, health care facilities and other locations. With SEIU those workers have won benefits, improvements to their wages and working conditions.

SEIU also works in coalition with unions around the world that represent Aramark employees (Aramark operates in more than 20 countries!) Solidarity with other SEIU members and allies working for Aramark gives us strength at the bargaining table.

Does having a union provide me with more job security?

Yes. When we have a union the employer can’t get away with terminating us without a justifiable reason. With a union we will have a grievance process by which we can fight back should we be unfairly fired or laid-off.

In addition, should Aramark ever lose the contract at the University, with a union, workers can demand that the new contractor honour our jobs and union contract with the improvements we have gained.

I’ve heard that if we unionize we will no longer be able to talk directly with our supervisors. Is this true?

No. As union members we are always able to talk and try to solve problems with our supervisors. The difference is that in a non-union workplace the boss has the final say. In a unionized workplace if you disagree with management you can file a grievance and have a fair hearing on the issue.

How did the union gain access to the workplace?

Thousands of Aramark workers across North America have been standing up to form a union with SEIU. Thanks to that struggle, workers won the right for the union to speak to us at our workplace, without us having to fear reprisals from the company.

Companies often carry out anti-union campaigns when workers decide to unionize, but Food Service Workers have won what's called a 'neutrality' agreement from Aramark.

How much are dues?

Union dues are the way by which we pool our resources in order to stand-up for better working conditions and wage improvements.
SEIU union dues are 2% of our gross earnings
(e.g. $1 = $0.02).

We do not pay any union dues until the majority of us approve a first contract.  Obviously we will only approve a contract that has improvements for us and one that offsets the cost of dues. Dues are also tax deductible. It’s a win-win situation for us.

This sounds great! How do I join SEIU?

You can sign a union card. Contact us for more information.