Hundreds of dining hall workers at Northwestern University walked off the job as their union said it had reached an impasse with their employer.

The strike is actually against Compass Group, an international company which has the food services contract at NU. “The pension is terrible” said Veronica Reyes, a dining hall cashier and member of the union. “We’re not willing to go back if the company does not agree to our contract” demands, Reyes said.

Workers authorized a strike by an "overwhelming majority" on February 27, union officials said. "These workers are the heart and soul of Northwestern University and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Hundreds of Northwestern University hospitality workers went on strike Monday. The union says they’ve been without a contract for six months and want better wages and pensions. Northwestern says the latest offer includes 16% raises,