Union says dozens of jobs lost as NSCC switches to single food services partner

The cafeteria in the NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus is seen. (CTV Atlantic/Ryan MacDonald)

The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) says nearly 30 long-term food service employees have lost their jobs due to Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) switching to a single, provincewide partner.

Last week NSCC announced it would be partnering with Aramark Canada Ltd. to deliver on-campus food services. The college said this decision will impact workers at eight locations.

“Until now, food services at campuses have been offered through a combination of third-party services and NSCC-operated cafeterias and cafes,” a news release from the college says. “This model is not financially sustainable. Profits at some locations did not offset ongoing losses at others. The College cannot continue to absorb these annual losses.

“By working with a single, province-wide food services partner, NSCC will continue to provide access to food at every campus, according to the level and nature of activity at that location.”

NSGEU says this partner switch will result in 27 longtime employees losing their jobs along with their pensions and benefits. The union also claims NSCC did not conduct an open bidding process for a new contract.

“This is a blow to our members, many who have dedicated years of service to the NSCC and its students,” said Sandra Mullen, president of the NSGEU, in a news release. “These are good, public-sector jobs that are being eliminated, and replaced by positions with no pension, severely reduced benefits, and less favorable sick time and vacation provisions.”

NSCC said all employees were given severance and the opportunity to potentially work with the new partner. The college also said it could no longer continue with the previous food service model, citing unsustainable “annual six-figure losses.”

“By moving forward with this new model, we have a financially-sustainable approach for providing food services at campuses while ensuring our resources are focused on delivering exceptional learning opportunities,” the college said.

In an open letter to Premier Tim Houston, Danny Cavanagh, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour, called on the province to cancel the Aramark contract and rehire the 27 workers.

“Yes, the new jobs might still be offered to Nova Scotians, but let’s be clear: these are not the same jobs. They’re often low-wage, contract positions with fewer benefits and no pensions,” the letter reads. “That means less money staying in our communities and more profit leaving the province.

“Union jobs are different. They create stability. They keep families here. They grow our local economy. Union wages get spent in local businesses, supporting the shops and services that make up our communities. These jobs build a stronger Nova Scotia.”

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