UNB Releases Statement Addressing Layoffs of Cafe Workers

UNB students, faculty, and staff continue to advocate for the rights of the many food service workers that have been issued layoff notices.

In response to the public calls for action, UNB has released the following statement:

“As part of a normal procurement schedule, the university went to tender to select a single food service provider for both campuses.  To support a comprehensive consultation process, a committee, consisting of staff and student representatives from both campuses, engaged the university community in the review process through focus groups and surveys.  UNB is currently negotiating with the selected company.  Due to confidentiality reasons, we cannot publicly announce which provider has been selected. 

We recognize that transitions of any kind can cause feelings of uncertainty.  As we negotiate with the selected provider, we acknowledge that the employees of all external parties are the top priority for everyone. More information will become available once this process is completed.”

Meanwhile, the petition started by UNB student, Sofia Erickson, has garnered almost 450 signatures, with more signing each day. In an interview with CBC, Erickson explained that these layoffs impact more than just the workers who recieve them.

“[These workers] spent big portions of their lives at UNB with the students in our community,” they said. “They’re family to us.”