As Northwestern students return from Spring Break, University dining hall workers have temporarily paused their strike.
The workers’ strike had been ongoing since March 10, demanding fairer wages and increased pension contributions. Dining workers’ previous contract between their union representative body, UNITE HERE Local 1, and NU’s food service provider, Compass Group, ended August 31.
No agreement has been reached in their new contract negotiations since then, leading to picketing outside The Arch and dining halls as well as dining hall closures across campus. On Tuesday, dining halls and Norris University Center dining options fully resumed operations.
The strike was paused over Spring Break. Despite this, the dining staff is prepared to strike again at any time, according to Sarah Lyons, the communications director for UNITE HERE Local 1.
“We went on strike to show the company that we are willing to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract,” said Rosa Villaseñor, a Compass catering attendant who has worked at NU for 15 years. “Having the support of the students, other labor unions and the Evanston community has given me energy and motivation to keep fighting. I’m ready to strike again to win the wages and benefits we deserve for the hard work we do.”
Email: laurahorne2027@u.northwestern.edu
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