Ensure fair pay for school catering staff during closures
The Issue
At our school, there's a dedicated team of catering staff who, come rain or shine, are ready to ensure that students and staff are provided with healthy meals every day. Recently, however, our entire school was faced with a challenge: the intense heat made it unsafe for the school to open, and the decision was made to close the school for the safety of everyone. Despite being ready to work, our catering staff, employed by Aspens, were informed that they would not receive payment for those days when the school was closed due to extreme weather conditions. This means that due to no fault of their own, these hardworking individuals found themselves without pay simply because they were unable to access their workplace. Staff were directed to either take a day unpaid or to work at a different site - not always easy in extreme weather to travel to a different site. If the workplace is closed then staff should still be paid this should not be an opportunity for the employer to keep the workers' pay.
The situation raises a critical question about fairness and respect towards these essential workers. If all other staff members were compensated for the closure days, why should our catering staff be treated differently? Neglecting to pay them for these closure days implies a lack of recognition for their commitment and dedication to their roles.
The right to fair compensation should be a fundamental principle. Although schools may close due to weather, financial responsibilities continue for these workers. We urge Aspens, and all stakeholders involved, to reconsider their payment policies regarding such closures. By ensuring that catering staff are paid during unexpected closures, we not only support their livelihood but also show appreciation for their essential role within our school community.
Join us in advocating for fair treatment and recognition of our catering staff. Your signature can make a difference, urging policy changes that align with values of fairness and equity. Sign this petition to show support for fair pay and respect for our school catering staff.
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The Issue
At our school, there's a dedicated team of catering staff who, come rain or shine, are ready to ensure that students and staff are provided with healthy meals every day. Recently, however, our entire school was faced with a challenge: the intense heat made it unsafe for the school to open, and the decision was made to close the school for the safety of everyone. Despite being ready to work, our catering staff, employed by Aspens, were informed that they would not receive payment for those days when the school was closed due to extreme weather conditions. This means that due to no fault of their own, these hardworking individuals found themselves without pay simply because they were unable to access their workplace. Staff were directed to either take a day unpaid or to work at a different site - not always easy in extreme weather to travel to a different site. If the workplace is closed then staff should still be paid this should not be an opportunity for the employer to keep the workers' pay.
The situation raises a critical question about fairness and respect towards these essential workers. If all other staff members were compensated for the closure days, why should our catering staff be treated differently? Neglecting to pay them for these closure days implies a lack of recognition for their commitment and dedication to their roles.
The right to fair compensation should be a fundamental principle. Although schools may close due to weather, financial responsibilities continue for these workers. We urge Aspens, and all stakeholders involved, to reconsider their payment policies regarding such closures. By ensuring that catering staff are paid during unexpected closures, we not only support their livelihood but also show appreciation for their essential role within our school community.
Join us in advocating for fair treatment and recognition of our catering staff. Your signature can make a difference, urging policy changes that align with values of fairness and equity. Sign this petition to show support for fair pay and respect for our school catering staff.
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Petition created on 8 July 2026