NSCC to contract out food services, laying off 27 employees
The Nova Scotia Community College is making a significant change in its food services operations, as it outsources the work to a private company, Aramark Canada. This decision will result in the loss of jobs for twenty-seven food service workers at the college.
The college cited ongoing financial losses as the reason for this move, with losses amounting to approximately $800,000 each year. Lynn Hartwell, the NSCC’s vice-president of campuses and communities, expressed the challenges of making such a decision that affects colleagues. She emphasized the financial sustainability of continuing to operate food services internally.
Affected employees were informed of the job cuts on Thursday, with their last day of employment set for August 22. They have been offered interviews for positions with Aramark, along with severance pay and 40 days’ pay in lieu of notice as per their collective agreement.
Rhea Gouthro, the sous-chef at the NSCC’s waterfront campus in Sydney, N.S., and vice-president of the NSGEU local representing food service workers, expressed shock and disappointment at the news. She highlighted the lack of transparency and respect in the decision-making process.
The NSGEU raised concerns about the impact on employees nearing retirement and those relying heavily on health benefits. President Sandra Mullen emphasized the importance of preserving good public-sector jobs and criticized the reduced benefits and job security offered by Aramark.
Gouthro revealed that the new positions with Aramark come with lower wages compared to their current jobs at NSCC. Front-line positions with Aramark offer wages ranging from $16 to $23 per hour, along with health insurance coverage.
The union called on Premier Tim Houston to intervene and halt the outsourcing of jobs at NSCC. They emphasized the human impact of the decision and urged a prioritization of employee well-being over financial considerations.
While the NSCC is not the only institution to contract out food services to Aramark, with other universities in Nova Scotia also utilizing their services, the decision was not taken lightly. The college acknowledged the employees’ dedication and expressed hope to see many of them return when the cafeterias reopen in the fall.
