Overwhelming Majority Vote to Strike
Food service workers employed by Chartwells at Acadia University have voted to strike by an overwhelming majority. The strike start date has not been announced, but it is imminent.
“My co-workers and I come into work every day to make the best product we can for the students and the university community,” said Annette Stirling, the head baker who is going into her 34th at Acadia.
“We are only asking for what is fair and comparable to other unionized food service workers in the province,” she said. “Living in the Annapolis Valley is expensive and we need a fair raise and improved benefits.
Most make minimum wage
Currently, more than half of the approximately 55 Chartwells’ employees at Acadia University earn only minimum wage. Many of the employees have worked at Acadia for decades. Workers are seeking relativity from minimum wage and increases of at least $1 to $1.50 per year for the next three years. Wages would range from $20 to $24.50 per hour by January 2028. The food service workers are also seeking stronger job protections, and one and a half times pay on holidays.
Chartwells has refused to offer wages that keep up with the cost-of-living and said no to every one of the union’s proposals on job security. As for improved vacation pay, they want to keep it to management’s discretion.
Cost-of-Living Crisis
“There are people working at this university who have had to use food banks to feed their families,” said Stirling. “Some have had to sleep in their car or in a tent, because they did not make enough to afford rent.”
“Going on strike isn’t a decision any of us make lightly, but the reality is we have no choice,” said Shawn Wagner, a Chartwells cook. “If we do nothing, we are guaranteed to lose. If we fight, we can win. I’m choosing to fight for myself, my family & my co-workers. We all deserve better.”
The workers have been bargaining since November 2025 and have already met with a government mediator. The parties have a Day 14 Meeting scheduled for this Friday.
Community Support
Some of the workers have been through several contractors. Chartwell’s is a multi-billion-dollar company. They can afford to provide fair compensation for important work. We should expect nothing less from employers in our community, especially at a prestigious institution like Acadia.
The Acadia community in Wolfville is stepping up to support the SEIU2 members including students, faculty and area residents. Many have made public statements of support and some have called for a boycott of Chartwells should a strike proceed.
The location of the picket lines will be announced the morning the strike starts.
