SEIU Local 2: Hospitality
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. 11 - 11 a.m.
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. During the 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, TwelvEighty, 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
The University is committed to providing a variety of menu items at its food service locations as well as maintaining the quality and safety of meals prepared.
Managers, who are also trained chefs, are responsible for food preparation during the strike and all food preparation guidelines and health requirements are being met. Cleaning in food service areas is done by members of a different bargaining unit and is continuing normally.
Questions and concerns may be directed to daily@mcmaster.ca.
Weather
Current weather reports predict that Hamilton could receive significant snowfall overnight. The Storm Closure Policy guides decisions on whether the University will remain open or needs to be closed. Please monitor the Daily News, local radio stations, the Hamilton Spectator website and CH News for any updates in the morning. Arrangements are in place for snow clearing on campus.
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.
Stay updated:
Labour Relations
page
Facebook.com/mcmasteruniversity
January 7, 2011 - 10:00 a.m.
SEIU Local 2 began its strike this morning at 6:00 a.m. There have been considerable delays entering campus and the University is working with Police to do as much as we can to minimize the waiting time. We thank you for your patience and understanding.
Students are encouraged to use public transit whenever possible or to car pool with others. The revised HSR bus routing map is here.
Faculty members have been asked to be flexible when students are delayed for classes.
During the strike, food services continue at the University and meal plans are being honoured.
Updates are available at:
facebook.com/mcmasteruniversity
Questions may be directed to daily@mcmaster.ca.
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:
- 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.
January 6, 2011 - 2:30 p.m.
Possible Strike by SEIU Local 2 – Hospitality
McMaster has been meeting with SEIU Local 2 (Hospitality) and a provincial conciliator in efforts to reach a renewed collective agreement. SEIU Local 2 represents food service workers at McMaster.
The union membership is voting on the University’s settlement offer during meetings Thursday, Jan. 6.
It has advised the University that should the offer be rejected, it will begin a strike the morning of Friday, Jan. 7.
Food service operations if there is a strike
McMaster’s top priority is to ensure food services are provided to students, with a focus on providing as many options as possible to students in residence and those with meal plans.
• Students living off campus are encouraged to bring their own meals and beverages to campus or to use off campus restaurants and outlets
• Centro (Commons Building), East Meets West Bistro (Mary Keyes Residence), My Mini Mac (Mary Keyes Residence) will continue to be open regular hours but may offer reduced menu offerings. These locations will accept meal cards only.
• Tim Hortons (University Centre), Williams Cafe (Faculty of Health Sciences) and IAHS Café (Institute for Applied Health Services Building) will continue to be open regular hours and will accept cash and meal cards
• 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. Information about these locations is available here: http://hospitality.mcmaster.ca/locations/offcampus.html
• If you have an existing meal card account and wish to add funds to that account you can do so online at: http://mealcard.mcmaster.ca/acctnfo.htm
• During a strike, applications for new meal plan accounts will not be processed
• 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
Accessing Campus during a strike
Should the union decide to strike, you can expect delays accessing campus. Where possible, take alternate modes of travel, including public transit, or consider carpooling to lessen the number of vehicles travelling to campus. Public transit routes will be changed during a strike. You can view the revised Hamilton Street Railway route map here.
Always remain respectful to picketers and avoid confrontation.
Staying informed
During a strike, you can stay informed by:
- Visiting The Daily News website
- Visiting the Students information web page
- Accessing the McMaster Facebook site
- Following us on Twitter
Key Issues and Updates
Parents
Twitter updates
McMaster Daily News
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Getting in and out of campus
Food services
Map - HSR detour routes in the event of a strike
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
McMaster University on Facebook
Updates on Twitter