Disputes between campus employees trying to unionize and their employer, food services provider Aramark, has resulted in both sides filing charges of unfair labour practices.

Union organizers working for Carleton Aramark claim the company continues to threaten and intimidate employees for trying to exercise their rights to freedom of speech and freedom of association. As a result, Unite Here Local 261 Ottawa, a union representing other workers throughout North America, has filed charges with the Ontario Labour Relations Board on behalf of Carleton Aramark employees.

But Aramark has also filed charges with the board against employee union organizers for unfair labour practices.

As Carleton’s current food services provider, Aramark employs hundreds of workers on campus, the majority of whom are students.

In an April 12 letter received by workers, Aramark’s resident district manger Shayne MacKenzie warned employees that “any employee discovered to have been harassing or attempting to intimidate or coerce a fellow employee into joining a union or not joining a union will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.”

Chris Pinch, an active member in the organization of a union who said he was recently laid off by Aramark, described the letter as a scare tactic to discourage workers from organizing.

“There is a huge culture of fear being perpetuated by the management in the workplace,” Pinch said.

But Kristine Grow, a senior spokesperson for Aramark, said employees are being intimidated by their colleagues at work and at home to join the union.

“Union organizers are using unfair tactics in their organizing campaign,” Grow said.

One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, described the union organizers as "relentless" and said, “everybody is torn between the union and the company."

"I think the best thing to do for most of us is to try and stay out of it. Whatever happens, happens." 

The April 12 letter states that each employee is free to decide whether or not he or she wishes to have a union representative. However, “the company will not tolerate undue and inappropriate pressure tactics being used against employees.”

Johanna Selvanera was a union organizer and an employee with Carleton food services for 27 years before she was laid off in April, which she said is because of her union support.

She said that before employees received the latest letter, many people signed up to join the union. But after the letter arrived, she said many employees developed cold feet about the idea.

Selvanera said employees are overworked and understaffed, and is concerned that there is no pension plan for older employees.

It was about time they formed a union, Selvanera said.

“I want rights, I want fairness, and I want justice,” Selvanera said.

Karen Grella, secretary-treasurer of Unite Here Local 261, confirmed charges had been laid by her union.

“We do not tolerate this kind of behaviour against employee’s lawful rights,” Grella said.

In response to Aramark’s letter, Alex Sirois, president of the Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA), released a letter May 5 urging the university and Carleton president Roseann Runte to “encourage Aramark to cease intimidation of Aramark Carleton workers.”

“Members working for Aramark have expressed fear regarding their ability to keep their jobs, should they decide to join a union or talk to their co-workers about it,” said Sam Heaton, CUSA vice-president (student services).