Workers at Simon Fraser University Demand Change Amid Abuse Claims

In a concerning development at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in British Columbia, workers have voiced allegations of bullying and verbal abuse within the food service and janitorial sectors. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the atmosphere for the university’s approximately 200 contract food service workers has shifted dramatically. Nouha Ishaq, a food service employee who began her tenure in 2005, described the current environment as hostile and marked by fear.

Ishaq noted that verbal abuse from sous-chefs and managers has become a daily challenge for her and her colleagues. “You feel the whip,” she stated, highlighting the emotional toll this treatment takes when seeking assistance on the job. Reports indicate that at least three formal complaints regarding bullying and harassment have been filed by contract workers at SFU since the pandemic began.

Allegations of Abuse and Management Failure

A coalition known as Contract Worker Justice has emerged, advocating for improved working conditions since 2020. Their efforts have been documented in various reports, including a January 2022 analysis that revealed troubling patterns of harassment and excessive workloads among cleaning and food service workers. Many employees reported feeling demeaned by management, with specific grievances including derogatory comments regarding their accents and unfair workload distribution.

Despite these ongoing concerns, SFU management has opted to maintain its contracts with cleaning and food service providers, including Chartwells Canada and Best Service Pros. Ishaq, who currently works at the university’s dining commons, expressed disappointment over the lack of accountability from both the university and the contracted companies.

In 2022, SFU publicly committed to becoming a living-wage employer, a move that aimed to ensure all staff receive compensation sufficient to cover basic living expenses. Nevertheless, many contracted workers have not yet seen this commitment reflected in their pay. Ishaq stated that she currently earns $23.58 per hour, while the living wage for Metro Vancouver was calculated at $27.85 as of November 2022.

Calls for Action and Accountability

Concerns surrounding the treatment of contract workers intensified following the tragic death of a janitor employed by Best Service Pros at SFU’s Burnaby campus last year. In response, Contract Worker Justice has renewed calls for the university to transition these workers into direct employment, thereby eliminating the issues associated with contracting out services. The coalition has outlined several demands, including job security for existing workers during the transition and recognition of the unions currently representing them.

Enda Brophy, an associate professor at SFU and co-founder of Contract Worker Justice, criticized the university’s decision to continue outsourcing essential services. He emphasized that such practices enable management to adopt troubling disciplinary methods without accountability. “Contracting out this low-wage work gives tacit permission to contractors to treat the workforce as they see fit,” Brophy stated.

Union representatives have echoed these sentiments. Michelle Travis, a spokesperson for Unite Here! Local 40, confirmed that issues related to management’s treatment of workers and the commitment to living wages remain significant concerns. Shaneza Bacchus, president of CUPE Local 3338, noted that while the union can address bullying through formal channels, many workers remain hesitant to report incidents due to a lack of trust in the system.

As SFU grapples with these escalating concerns, the university’s administration has defended its decision to contract out services, claiming that it lacks the expertise to provide in-house food and cleaning services. Jeff Hodson, a spokesperson for SFU, stated that the university’s focus is on academic and research excellence, rather than operational aspects such as food services and cleaning.

Despite management’s reassurances, workers like Ishaq continue to experience a challenging work environment. She emphasized the negative impact of hostility and the reluctance among colleagues to seek help or report injuries. “The work atmosphere hasn’t been healthy,” Ishaq said. “If there was an open relationship with management and workers, you wouldn’t have to be afraid.”

Contract Worker Justice is actively researching current working conditions as they seek to hold the university accountable. Brophy noted that their findings suggest little has changed since the coalition’s initial reports. Advocates argue that transitioning to direct employment could significantly enhance workplace relationships and conditions, fostering a more humane management approach.

In light of these ongoing challenges, Ishaq remains hopeful for change. “I want to see us become employees of the university,” she said, expressing frustration over what she perceives as a lack of support from SFU. The coalition’s demands for improved conditions and accountability continue to resonate as the university faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of its contracted workforce.