Tuesday 15-11-2016 - 00:00

Minutes of the Extraordinary Executive Committee meeting held on Thursday, 10 November 2016, at 12.37pm, in room NH208.

In Attendance: 

Lauren Ramage, Student President (Chair)
Jodie Waite, Vice President Glasgow School for Business and Society (VP GSBS)
Chris Daisley, Vice President School of Engineering and Built Environment (VP SEBE)
Kevin Campbell, Vice President School of Health and Life Sciences (VP SHLS)

David Carse, Chief Executive (Clerk)

1.            Apologies

None

2.            Cordia Catering Contract

The Executive Committee held a discussion on Cordia being given notice by Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) that their catering contract will end on 16^th November 2016. The Officers explained that they had received several emails asking what the Students’ Association position is. The members noted a petition had been started to urge GCU and Cordia ‘to resolve disagreements’, there was a disparity in several communications on the notice period provided by the University and that the Combined Campus Trade Unions preferred option was taking the catering ‘in-house’, with performance monitored by a joint board of students, staff and management.

The members expressed concern for any Cordia member of staff losing their job, especially in the lead up to Christmas. It was felt it was unclear at this time whether staff would be displaced or made redundant. Members expressed concern on what appears to be a lack of effective communication between Cordia and GCU and Cordia and its employees. Members felt that Cordia should make a commitment to no redundancies. It was suggested that the University could do more to advertise vacancies within new catering provision, especially towards affected Cordia employees. It was noted that Cordia would be able to tender for the George Moore Restaurant at a later stage.

A discussion took place and it was agreed that the Executive Committee endorsed the new model of delivering catering services on the Glasgow campus, with enhanced choice, diversity and healthy options. It was felt this would be welcomed by students.

It was also agreed to lobby GCU on extending the timing of ending the catering contract. Action: VP GSBS.

The meeting ended at 1pm.

 

Update 14/11/2016

GCU Email: "In discussion with Cordia, the University has agreed to further extend the notice period of its contract with them until April 28, 2017. During this time, the University will maintain dialogue with Cordia, with a view to effecting a phased transition to multiple suppliers in the smaller catering outlets. Cordia will continue to run the restaurant in the George Moore building for the duration of the extended notice period."