SEIU Local 2: Hospitality
Jan. 16
Members of SEIU Local 2 (Hospitality) ratified a tentative agreement during a vote on Saturday, ending its strike.
Jan. 14 - 6 p.m.
The University and SEIU Local 2 (Hospitality) have reached a tentative agreement. The union will be holding a meeting Jan. 15 beginning at 1 p.m. in MDCL 1105, followed by a ratification vote.
It is important that all members attend and participate. The union's bargaining team is recommending members accept the tentative agreement.
Jan. 14 - 9:30 a.m.
The University and SEIU Local 2 continued meetings with the provincial conciliator through the night. The parties are taking a break and will return to the table this afternoon. Further updates will be provided here and at facebook.com/mcmasteruniversity and twitter.com/mcmasterupdates.
Jan. 13 - 4:30 p.m.
The University and SEIU Local 2 continue to meet with the provincial coniliator this afternoon in efforts to reach a collective agreement and end the strike.
Jan. 12 - 1:15 p.m.
The provincial conciliator has called the University and SEIU Local 2 back to the bargaining table. The parties will return to the table Thursday morning. Current picketing activities are expected to continue.
Jan. 11 - 4:00 p.m.
Picketing continued at the Sterling and Cootes Drive entrances to campus today as SEIU Local 2 (Hospitality) remains on strike.
Delays getting into campus were more manageable today as many staff, faculty and students have made alternate arrangements for accessing campus, including using public transit. The union continues to stop vehicles as they enter and leave campus, however, and delays should be expected. The McMaster community and its neighbours are thanked for their continued patience during this time.
The forecast for Hamilton calls for snowfall overnight which may also cause delays in accessing campus. Check the Daily News, local radio and television stations and the Hamilton Spectator website for updates on storm-related closures.
The University's top priority during the strike is to ensure students living in residence and those with meal plans have access to food services. Hospitality Services is working to provide a variety of menu items at its food service outlets. A list of open food outlets and their hours of operation can be found here.
Jan. 10 - 4:30 p.m.
Picketing continued at the Sterling and Cootes Drive entrances to campus today as SEIU Local 2 (Hospitality) continued its strike.
It appeared delays getting into campus were somewhat more manageable today, however the union continues to stop vehicles as they enter and leave campus. Waits are expected for students arriving tonight for night classes and for those exiting the University this afternoon and evening.
During the strike, the regular vehicular and pedestrian traffic patterns we're accustomed to have changed. It is important that drivers and pedestrians take time to ensure safety and exercise patience and courtesy when travelling around and on campus.
Should you wish to report a safety or traffic concern, you can notify Security at extension 24281.
Jan. 9 - 4:30 p.m.
Pickets are expected again Monday morning as the strike by SEIU Local 2 (Hospitality) continues. Over the weekend, the union continued to picket the university.
As of Sunday afternoon, the union has yet to agree to a complete picket line protocol. In the absence of a protocol, the campus community is advised to give itself additional time to get onto campus as extensive delays are expected. On Friday, pickets also delayed vehicles leaving campus and the university has yet to hear from the union as to whether this practice will continue on Monday.
Please remain patient and courteous while entering and leaving campus. Whenever possible, consider using public transit or car pool with others.
There is a verbal commitment from the union to let emergency and other essential service vehicles, such as DARTS transit, cross picket lines without delay.
In past strikes, it has been customary for unions to commit to a picket line protocol which provides parameters for how vehicular traffic will be able to access and leave campus.
Jan. 7 - 3 p.m.
On several occasions, the University has asked the union to meet with McMaster and Hamilton Police to establish a picket line protocol. Today, the union agreed to a meeting.
As of 3:00 p.m. Friday afternoon, McMaster is waiting for a union response on whether it is willing to allow vehicles to exit campus without delay. At this point, the union has not provided a reply to McMaster's request.
McMaster has received the union's verbal agreement that emergency and essential services, such as DARTS transit, would be able to enter and leave the campus without being held up at a picket line.
Campus Deliveries
There have been questions about campus deliveries during the strike. All campus courier pick-up boxes have been sealed. If you have a package to be sent by courier, you can take it to an off-campus courier location or drop it off at Mail Services or General Receiving. During the strike, the McMaster community is asked to limit orders to essential items and to reduce the number of deliveries to campus. You should expect some delays in mail delivery on campus. More information is available here.
Stay updated:
Labour Relations
page
Facebook.com/mcmasteruniversity
January 6, 2011 - 10:00 p.m.
SEIU Local 2 rejects offer, strike to begin Friday morning
Members of SEIU Local 2 (Hospitality) have rejected the University's settlement offer and have given notice a strike will begin and picket lines will be up at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 7.
The union represents food service workers at McMaster. The University will remain open and classes will continue during the strike. There will be delays entering campus during the strike and students, faculty and staff are advised to give themselves additional time and to have patience.
The University's offer to settle is very similar to the agreement ratified late last year by SEIU members who are operations and maintenance workers, skilled trades and cleaners and custodians at McMaster.
By the end of the 64-month offer, wage rates would rise to between $16.25 and $21.70 per hour, plus lump sum payments that vary depending on job classifications.
The University's top priority will be to ensure students living in residence and those with meal plans have access to food services. During the strike:
Continue to visit the Daily News and workingatmcmaster.ca for updates.
January 6, 2011 - 2:30 p.m.
The University met with SEIU Local 2 (Hospitality) and a provincial conciliator Jan. 4th and 5th in efforts to reach a renewed collective agreement. SEIU Local 2 (Hospitality) represents food service workers at McMaster.
The University has presented an offer to settle and the Union has advised it will present the offer to its members during votes to be held tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in CIBC Hall. Members are encouraged to attend and to participate in the discussion and vote.
The Union says that if the membership rejects the offer, it will begin a strike on Friday, Jan. 7.
The University's offer to settle is very similar to the agreement ratified late last year by SEIU members who are operations and maintenance workers, skilled trades and cleaners and custodians at McMaster.
By the end of the 64-month offer, wage rates would rise to between $16.25 and $21.70 per hour, plus lump sum payments that vary depending on job classifications.
In the event of a strike, the University's top priority will be to ensure students living in residence and those with meal plans have access to food services.
Should there be a strike:
Centro (Commons Building), East Meets West Bistro (Mary Keyes Residence), My Mini Mac (Mary Keyes Residence), Tim Hortons (University Centre), Williams Cafe (Faculty of Health Sciences) and IAHS Café (Institute for Applied Health Services Building) will continue to be open. All other outlets operated by Hospitality services will be closed
Off campus food outlets that participate in the University's meal card program will continue to accept those cards during a strike
The Phoenix, Twelve-Eighty, Union Market, the University Club, cafeterias located in the McMaster University Medical Centre and food service operations at the Downtown Centre and Ron Joyce Centre will also remain open
Faculty, staff and students not living in residence are encouraged to bring their own meals and beverages to campus or to use off campus restaurants and outlets
Any appliances or equipment used, such as kettles, must be equipped with automatic shut off switches and comply with university policy (RMM 325)
Faculty and staff are reminded of the employee lounges located on campus, which provide kitchen facilities. Your employee identification card will allow you to access any of these lounges.
Continue to visit the Daily News and workingatmcmaster.ca for updates.
Key Issues and Updates
Students
Parents
Working at McMaster
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Getting in and out of campus
Food services
Map - HSR detour routes in the event of a strike
Purchasing and mail services
Safety and Security
Ensuring the community's safety and security is of primary importance. Should you feel unsafe or notice something that could cause a safety concern, please notify McMaster security by dialing “88” from any University line or by calling 905-525-9140 (24281).
Other Information
McMaster Faculty and Staff Directory
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