With contract negotiations coming up, a student-led petition, “Quinnipiac Students Stand with Our Dining Workers: Support a Fair Contract for USW Members” created March 24, urges fair agreements for Quinnipiac University’s dining service staff.
At the time of publication, the petition reached 481 signatures.
The petitioner highlights that the United Steelworker (USW) are essential to the community across Quinnipiac’s three campuses.
“They keep us fueled for classes, events and late-night study sessions,” the petitioner wrote.
The petition starter’s name is now anonymous and did not respond to The Chronicle’s attempts for comment.
The petitioner calls on both Chartwells and Quinnipiac administration for change. Chartwells did not respond to The Chronicle’s attempts for comment.
Chartwells is urged to “bargain in good faith and meet these reasonable demands” and the university is to “encourage a swift, positive resolution that prioritizes worker well-being and campus harmony.”
Negotiations for dining service workers remain between Chartwells and its employees.
“The university does not comment on negotiations between Chartwells and its unionized employees,” Associate Vice President for Public Relations John Morgan wrote in a statement to The Chronicle.
The request for fair agreements includes four demands: “Living wages that reflect the rising cost of living in Connecticut, affordable, quality healthcare benefits, stable scheduling and hours to support work-life balance and respectful working conditions with no retaliation for union activity.”
The petitioner notes the benefits of reaching said fair agreement.
“A fair contract means happier, more supported workers – better service, higher morale and a stronger dining experience for all students. We pay significant meal plan fees and deserve food services run by valued, fairly compensated staff.”
Several students shared comments on the petition in support of dining workers.
“A lot of these workers care so much and are so passionate about their job, but don’t get the treatment that should be reciprocated from the school,” a supporter wrote. “It seems as if these workers care more than the school that we pay so much to attend. They recognize the change that needs to be made and don’t get the respect they deserve.”
Others shared similar sentiments about the staff displaying a clear enjoyment for their jobs.
“I love the staff in the cafeteria, they are genuinely so kind and happy to serve us,” another student wrote. “My two favorites at Grilled always show up with a smile on their face in the mornings.”
While contract negotiations approach for current Chartwells employees at Quinnipiac, there are currently 10 positions open at the university, hiring immediately.
“The dining hall worker(s) always have the best interest of the students, and deserve to be treated better instead of being replaced,” a student wrote.
