SFU Contract Workers Expose Abuse Without Resulting Change
Nouha Ishaq has worked in food services at Simon Fraser University (SFU) since 2005. Initially, her work experience was positive. However, over the past five years, she has encountered a toxic work environment, marked by verbal abuse from senior staff. Ishaq’s situation represents a broader issue affecting SFU’s contract workers.
Increased Reports of Abuse Among Contract Workers
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, SFU has seen a rise in complaints related to bullying and harassment among its contract workers. At least three formal complaints have been filed by food service employees alone. A coalition named Contract Worker Justice has joined the outcry, advocating for better working conditions.
Reports obtained by The Tyee highlight persistent bullying faced by janitors, with WorkSafeBC documenting multiple instances of harassment. Despite these reports, workers like Ishaq indicate little has been done to effect real changes in policy or treatment.
Tragic Events and Ongoing Issues
The situation came to a head last year after a janitor from Best Service Pros tragically died on the job. The company has since claimed to have improved its health and safety measures. Nonetheless, numerous workers still feel disrespected and underappreciated by management.
- Workers’ Wages: Although SFU has committed to becoming a living-wage employer, many contracted staff still earn below this threshold. Ishaq currently makes $23.58 per hour, a figure expected to rise minimally in May 2023.
- Management Practices: Numerous accounts have emerged of managers verbally abusing workers, particularly those from non-English speaking backgrounds. Language barriers have exacerbated misunderstandings, making communication challenging.
Calls for In-House Employment
Members of the university staff and faculty advocate for bringing all contract workers in-house. Enda Brophy, an associate professor and co-founder of Contract Worker Justice, argues that contracting out low-wage jobs fosters hostile management practices.
Moreover, a report was published in January 2022, highlighting the excessive workloads and inadequate safety protocols faced by workers. The report corroborated the complaints of harassment they have experienced.
Inspections and Oversight
WorkSafeBC has conducted inspections at SFU campuses following complaints of bullying. Reports from these inspections underscore the failures of Best Service Pros to implement effective policies for handling harassment complaints.
Despite requests from Contract Worker Justice and letters signed by faculty urging accountability, the university remains steadfast in its decision to continue outsourcing its food and janitorial services.
Future Perspectives and Worker Sentiment
Despite assurances from service contractors about improved working conditions, workers remain skeptical. Ishaq and her colleagues continue to face bullying, often feeling unsafe when requesting assistance or reporting injuries. Many fear retaliation from management.
Advocates stress that a transition to in-house employment could radically transform the working environment for these contract workers. “Once work is brought in-house, management becomes more humane,” Brophy remarked, highlighting the benefits of accountability.
Ishaq’s plight underscores a broader systemic issue, as she continues to call for change at SFU. “If there was an open relationship with management, we wouldn’t be afraid,” she stated, reflecting the hopes of many contract workers seeking a more respectful workplace.
