Human Rights in a Digital Dining Hall: Local 1102 Wins Landmark AI Protections at Iona University

Local 1102 is proud to announce the ratification of a new three-year agreement with Chartwells Compass Group at Iona University. This agreement covers the dedicated food service workers who keep students fed every day, ensuring their vital role on campus is respected and protected.

This contract delivers unprecedented wage increases, the highest in the unit’s history, while fully maintaining the members' strong health and benefit coverage. In addition, workers secured an increased uniform allowance, a key quality-of-life improvement that reflects the professional value of their work.

While these financial gains are historic, the agreement also addresses a modern challenge facing workers: the impact of technology in the workplace. Following the August 2025 opening of a new dining hall featuring AI-powered ordering kiosks and “Just Walk Out” grab-and-go technology, the union saw firsthand how automation can displace experienced staff.

“AI has the potential to impact all of our jobs,” said Local 1102 President Jack Caffey. “That’s why we are making sure we get in front of the changes AI is bringing so members don’t get hurt and our contracts stay strong.”

Recognizing this shift, Local 1102 fought for and secured critical new contract language to protect members from the ripple effects of technological change. The union recognized that even when jobs are not eliminated, automation often leads to arbitrary reassignments that disrupt seniority and create a domino effect across the campus.

This new language codifies seniority protections, ensuring that as technology evolves, our members are not left behind. By securing these safeguards, Local 1102 has set a new standard for labor in the digital age, protecting the stability, fairness, and dignity of work at Iona University.