The Hospital Employees Union’s seven week dispute with French Multinational Sodexho is finally over.
- For more information see: Sodexho accepts mediator’s report [heu.org]
Both sides accepted mediator Vince Ready’s proposed settlement - HEU members on Dec. 9, Sodexho on Dec. 13.
The contract will be a first for 1400 dietary, cleaning and other support staff who work in contracted services at hospitals and care facilities throughout the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast and Victoria.
Union members went back to work Nov. 4, when Vince Ready was appointed to resolve the dispute. They had been on strike since Sept. 15.
Arbitrator Ready recommended:
- wage hikes that will bring the hourly wage to $13.05 by October, 2007.
- grievance language
- harassment protection
- seniority and other rights
“This is a major achievement for our members,” says HEU secretary-business manager Judy Darcy. “They’ve put on a determined fight to improve their wages and establish basic union rights in their workplace.