Hi Subamage,
There are atleast 3 methods are being followed. The obligation on the part of management is to provide for a canteen facility, whereas how it should be run is left to the management's option.
1. Run the canteen on it's own providing everything A to Z, including staff, equipment, provisions, implement menus, not as a profit centre, charge nominal prices for stuffs or even can be fully free but remain as a welfare measure. Suitable for large units/factories.
2. Provide infrastructure, equipment but outsourced operations, finalise menus, fix rates, ensure quality & quantity of stuff, provide subsidy or pay bills @ fixed rates as per quotes.
3. Let the canteen be managed fully by employees' union or their welfare society to be run as a No Profit,No Loss basis. Infrastructure to be fully provided by the management.
4. Outsourced fully, engage catering contractors to supply stuffs on a fixed menus finalised in consultation with employees. Bills are paid by the management.
Now a days most of IT/ITeU run Cafeteria type facility providing tea/coffee, light snacks etc in their automated vending m/cs meeting the costs and offloading foods, fruits supplies.
So long as management provide a decent canteen facility unions will have no issues. Also go thru' this link -
https://www.citehr.com/106103-help-m...ad.html#416502