Aramark and members of the Wesleyan dining workers union reached a tentative agreement for a new contract at a negotiations meeting held April 13. The local chapter of union 217, United Here, will hold a meeting to vote on the proposed contract on April 25.
Over 50 percent of the members who attend the meeting must vote “yes” to the contract in order to ratify it. The new plan includes an employer-paid insurance plan, and pay increases for workers.
“We’re recommending it to the body,” said Sue Silvestro, Vice-President of the local chapter of Union 217. Silvestro was pleased that towards the end of negotiations both sides wanted to reach a compromise and reported no problems with Aramark.
“It was important for Aramark and the union to come to an agreement so that we can get on to serving the customer,” Silvestro said.
Aramark workers not directly involved in the negotiations have not been informed of the specifics of the new contract, in a move designed to ensure the maximum participation of workers at the upcoming ratification meeting. However, those on the negotiations committee with Aramark expressed satisfaction with the deal and remain confident that the union will pass it.
“We didn’t lose anything, and in this day and age that’s OK,” said Jeff Hill, who sits on the negotiations committee, and has worked in dining services for 26 years.
Although not officially informed of anything, some Aramark workers heard rumors of the settlement.
“Anything is better than nothing,” said James Anthony, a MoCon worker who heard that workers seemed content with the agreement. “I’d rather get less than have things taken away. It’s about time that [Aramark] bend to our level.”
The main issue in the contract negotiations was health insurance.
“Everybody wanted to make sure our insurance didn’t change,” said Laura Goldner, a food worker who participated in negotiations.
Workers also expressed gratitude toward the Wesleyan community for their support. Many cited the candlelight vigil held a few weeks ago as a sign that the students stood with them, and thanked them for their support.
“We appreciate every little thing the students have done,” Anthony said.
He added that the student’s support was very important because they are Aramark customers.
“Once again the Wesleyan community helped us out immensely,” Hill said.
“The vigil was definitely helpful,” Silvestro said.
The meeting on April 25 is of critical importance to the union.
According to Hill a small turnout at that meeting would make the union look weak and workers uninterested in their own contract. To encourage a larger turnout the union has witheld the details of the tentative agreement.
“It is important that we explain everything to the body,” Silvestro said.
Most workers, however, displayed trust in their union and stressed the importance of the medical plan.
“What we did get is satisfying,” Anthony said. “The main issue was the medical plan.”
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