More than 70 hospitality workers based at Sussex University have won access to full sick pay, following a two-year campaign.
The workers are employed by Chartwells, which is the outsourced catering contractor for Sussex University, and are members of trade union Unite.
Prior to this, they were only entitled to statutory sick pay for sickness absence due to illness or injury. This now puts them in line with other campus staff.
Around 75 workers, including waiting and kitchen staff, negotiated a recognition agreement almost two years ago. This gives them collective trade union bargaining rights when it comes to pay and conditions.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “This is an excellent win for our hospitality members at Chartwells who, through being organised, have secured a significant win on sick pay. This deal on sick pay demonstrates how through working together there is power in a union.”
Laurie McMahon, representative for Unite, added: “This is a really important step forward for our members in securing parity on sick pay with other campus staff. For the first time members have a degree of financial stability when off sick. This agreement sets a benchmark about what it is possible for hospitality workers to achieve provided they are organised and backed by Unite.”
Chartwells was contacted for comment prior to publication.
