News
UIC Sodexo Workers Win Pathway to $20/HR

Sodexo members at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) held ratification meetings this past week and made our voices heard: New Contract NOW! We counted the ballots from the three in-person sessions and one virtual, and these were the results: 94% voted YES! UIC Sodexo members approved the new collective bargaining agreement. We will notify University management this afternoon, and the contract will go into effect immediately.
“You wanted higher wages, more paid time off, and more full-time hours. We’ve got them. This is YOUR contract.” – Belinda Gunn, SEIU Local 73 member and UIC Sodexo worker.
Here are some highlights of our new contract:
RAISES THAT LIFT EVERYONE:
- We will receive an average of 12% raises over four years, 2% higher than the annual increases under our previous employer. We also won a $300 ratification bonus.
MINIMUM PAY INCREASED
- The lowest-paid workers will see their wages rise to at least $20/hr by Year 4.
STRONGER PROTECTIONS
- We’ve secured language to protect full-time positions, guard against arbitrary or unnecessary hour cuts, and ensure that staffing decisions are fair and transparent.
MORE TIME OFF
- Vacation and sick accruals have been increased for both full-time and part-time staff.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPECT
- The agreement includes a successor clause, meaning any future owners or operators must honor this contract — your rights are protected long-term.
CONTINUED BENEFITS
- We’ve maintained the benefits and rights secured under Chartwells.
We would like to thank the membership for standing together throughout this long fight.