By Alanna Rizza
Unfit working conditions as a result of cold temperatures caused the Starbucks in the Student Learning Centre to shut down today.
Melissa Yu, Communication Coordinator for Ryerson’s Food Services, said in an emailed statement that it was collectively decided as a “short-term solution for employees’ health and safety.”
Staff said they’ve been wearing scarves and winter jackets inside since December. A Starbucks supervisor, who wishes to remain anonymous, added that several complaints were made to facility staff and upper management over the past month and a half. Portable heaters were provided as a solution, but employees said they don’t work in large open areas.
Yu said the university is taking the issue very seriously. “Our priority is the health and safety of our staff,” she said.
The Starbucks will remain closed until further notice.
With files by Nicole Schmidt
Leave a Reply