Dining Services workers late Thursday night voted to ratify the University's proposal for a new three-year contract by a 125-6 margin, according to Roxana Rivera, director of Service Employees International Union Local 615.
"I think the University saw very clearly how united workers were and how hard they work for Brown," Rivera said. "Brown heard the stories of the workers that contribute to the prosperity of the University."
Christina Smith, a dining services first baker and member of the union negotiation team, echoed Rivera's positive sentiment. "I'd have to say that we all resoundingly recommended the proposal to our membership," she said.
University officials could not be reached for comment Thursday night.
On Oct. 13, union members authorized a strike if a new contract could not be agreed on by Wednesday.
The new contract includes a 3.5-percent annual wage increase across the board and a 6-percent health care premium, the current rate. There will be an increase in the pharmacy and emergency room co-pay equivalent to the rate that other non-management University employees pay, Rivera said.
In addition, all the assistant food service workers - who currently work 27 hours a week or less - will be reclassified as full-time food service workers and receive a wage increase of $1, to $11 per hour, effective immediately. As of Aug. 31, 2007, current assistant food service workers will receive an increase in wages to almost $14 per hour, the same rate as current full-time workers. Effective July 1, 2007, they can elect to increase their hours to 1,300 per year, making them eligible for full benefits, Rivera said.
The University also agreed to make all non-management Faculty Club workers eligible for union membership if a majority of workers sign on, Rivera said.
"I want to thank the students and community for support," said Ephraim Grossett, who works in the dish room at the Sharpe Refectory and was also a member of the negotiation team. "We fought a good campaign, and we came out bright and shining."
