Federal Cafeteria Workers Ratify Contract

May 14, 2016 
By Steven Wishnia and Neal Tepel

Washington,DC – UNITE HERE Local 23 members working in cafeterias at 15 federal-government buildings in the Washington area almost unanimously ratified a deal with food-service contractor I.L. Creations.

The three-year agreement, announced May 10, will give the 240 workers raises totaling $1.40 an hour, bringing their average wage above $13.50. The company also agreed to increase its share of workers’ health insurance and add dental and vision benefits. “The company has set a great new standard for government food services workers in the D.C. area,” said Adam Yalowitz, a research analyst for Local 23. The contract, he added, also includes “historic civil rights language” that would prevent workers from being fired if they miss work or are late because they were detained to have their immigration status checked. Read more