CUPE 2424 members began walking the picket line on September 5 to fight for respect and an equitable contract offer after Carleton University’s administration continued to table a wage offer significantly lower than what they recently awarded faculty at the university.
- See photo gallery: Carleton University strike: Sept. 5, 2007
CUPE Local 2424, Professional, office, technical and support staff at Carleton University set up picket lines this morning at both entrances to campus, beginning a strike to push for an equitable contract. The 700 members of Local 2424 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) are fighting for respect.
“Carleton’s administration continued to offer our members far less than the wage settlement they recently awarded faculty,” said Susan Arab, CUPE national representative. “It’s unfortunate our members will have to walk the picket line to fight for the respect they deserve, but in the end, when the employer refuses to make an equitable offer, there isn’t really much choice.”
The strike will suspend all office work at the university, IT support, libraries and other technical and support functions. CUPE has informed the mediation officer they remain available to resume negotiations.
“We regret the inconvenience to students and the campus community, and encourage students and their families to put pressure on the university administration to return to the table with an equitable contract offer, so we can resolve this conflict,” added Arab.