(Sydney) - A Department of Labour conciliator will take another try at settling contract negotiations between the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board and some 1,200 school board workers.
The teacher aides, bus drivers, yard supervisors and secretaries are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 5050.
Talks are scheduled for February 26th and 27th. CUPE spokesperson Barb Kowalski says as of right now, the board has major concessions on the table.
“They’re looking to take away our contracting out language, our job security provisions and many of the rights that have been bargained for over the years. It is not going to be possible to reach a deal with these takeaways on the table, I can tell you that much,” says Kowalski.
“We’re still miles apart, so both sides have their work cut out for them this week. If we don’t see some major progress, the union will have no choice but to look toward setting a strike deadline,” she adds.
For information:
Barb Kowalski, CUPE National Rep. (902) 565-6560 (Cell)
John McCracken, CUPE Communications Rep. (902) 455-4180 (o)
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