Mediation last chance for University of Guelph to prevent strike or lockout
Guelph, Ont. – Mediation talks between the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the University of Guelph will be the last opportunity for management to prevent a strike or lockout that could affect classes and December exams.
“University management must do what it takes to close the deal and avert a strike or lockout that will affect students,” said Toni Xerri, chief negotiator for CUPE 3913, representing over 1200 sessional lecturers and teaching assistants at the University of Guelph. “We need to see more movement at the bargaining table to address our members’ key concerns.”
Outstanding issues include increased workload and class sizes, health and safety concerns and job security. Mediation talks are scheduled for November 27 and 28, with a legal strike or lockout deadline set for December 1 at 12:01 am.
“Our goal is to reach a fair deal that improves working conditions for our members,” said Trish Altass, chair of CUPE 3913. “Improving teaching conditions at the University of Guelph can only help the university. After all, our working conditions are the students’ learning conditions.”
“Our members want to be at work doing what they do best – teaching,” says Altass. “We are hopeful that with the help of a provincial mediator a deal can be reached before the strike deadline.”
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For further information, please contact:
Toni Xerri Chief negotiator for CUPE 3906 519-824-4120 ext 56268 519-400-4125 cell
Trish Altass Chair of CUPE 3913 Chair 519-824-4120 ext. 56268
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