Carleton Students Support Freedom of Speech for Workers on Campus

OTTAWA, May 10 /CNW Telbec/ - The Carleton University Students' Association (CUSA) has voted to call on Carleton University and Aramark Canada to respect the rights of freedom of speech and freedom of association for Aramark employees on campus.

"The Carleton University Students' Association has been disappointed to hear repeatedly from Aramark employees on campus, many of whom are our members, that the company has threatened and intimidated them for exercising their rights to speech and association in attempting to form a union outside company time. We call on Carleton University, President Runte, and Aramark Carleton to ensure that Carleton is a place where people can speak free from fear," said Alex Sirois, President of the Carleton University Students' Association.

"A university campus has a special responsibility to enshrine freedoms of speech and association, as well as provide an environment free of threat and intimidation for all members of the community, including those who make campus work," said Sam Heaton, Vice-President of Student Services of the Carleton University Students' Association.

UNITE HERE Local 261 has filed Unfair Labour Practice charges against Aramark at the Ontario Labour relations board alleging a broad pattern of violations by the Company of Ontario labour law in their efforts to stop the organizing drive.

The Carleton University Students' Association urges Carleton University and Aramark Carleton to grant Aramark Carleton employees card-check neutrality so they can exercise their rights free from fear in the workplace. Additionally, the Carleton University Students' Association calls on Carleton University to make public its contract with Aramark Canada. Given the high number of students employed at Aramark, CUSA wants a better understanding of its relationship with the University.

"We are hopeful that both the University Administration and Aramark will negotiate a fair process for unionization that safeguards the protections of free speech and freedom of association that are integral to our society, but nowhere more so than at a university," concluded Heaton.

For further information: Alex Sirois, CUSA President, [phone] ext. 1603; Sam Heaton, CUSA Vice President Student Services, [phone] ext. 1607