Agreement reached between Northwestern’s food service provider and associates

Compass Group, Northwestern University’s food service provider, and Unite Here Local 1, the union that represents all food service associates at the University, agreed to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement Friday, May 16. The two groups were in contract negotiations since Fall 2024.

“Today’s ratification of the new agreement reflects the shared spirit of our partnership with UNITE HERE LOCAL 1 in supporting our valued employees at Northwestern University,” said a spokesperson for Compass Group. “This agreement offers both immediate and long-term wage increases and enhanced benefits to our team and reinforces our shared commitment to serving the Northwestern community. We are proud to have reached such a positive outcome for everyone and look forward to continuing our strong partnership with our employees and their UNITE HERE Local 1 representatives.”

• Read Compass’s full message regarding the agreement

“Northwestern is pleased to hear of the agreement,” said Luke Figora, Northwestern’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “The food service associates at the University play an important role in the day-to-day life of our students, staff and faculty. We understand that the process to reach a deal has been a long one and we are grateful to both Compass and Unite Here Local 1 for their work to reach this agreement.”

Compass Group has been Northwestern’s food service provider since 2018.