VANCOUVER The appointment of Mark Brown as Industrial Inquiry Commissioner in the labour dispute that has disrupted university as usual for the last two weeks also brings peace, at least temporarily, to campus.
“Members voted to fully participate in the Industrial Inquiry process,” said Bob Fifik, CUPE national representative. Things should be back to normal by tomorrow morning at least for the time being.”
Graham Bruce, Minister of Labour has given a seven-day deadline for the commission to complete its work. “That means,” said Fifik ” that both sides have to be prepared to negotiate once and for all.” The Commissioner’s recommendations for resolving any remaining unagreed items will be made to the Minister in seven days. In the event of reaching tentative agreements the parties will then have their members ratify the agreement.
“We have said all along that the ideal would be for the employer to work with us on resolving the outstanding issues,” said Lynne Fowler, president of CUPE Local 3338. Fowler says that her members will be very happy to exchange their picket signs for computers, pencils and all the tools required to support students and faculty in their work.
“This is a good faith measure,” said Fowler. “We certainly hope it works.”
-30-
Information:
Bob Fifik, CUPE national representative
cell: 604-209-9750 or
Lynne Fowler, president of CUPE local 3338
cell: 778-772-7416.
“Members voted to fully participate in the Industrial Inquiry process,” said Bob Fifik, CUPE national representative. Things should be back to normal by tomorrow morning at least for the time being.”
Graham Bruce, Minister of Labour has given a seven-day deadline for the commission to complete its work. “That means,” said Fifik ” that both sides have to be prepared to negotiate once and for all.” The Commissioner’s recommendations for resolving any remaining unagreed items will be made to the Minister in seven days. In the event of reaching tentative agreements the parties will then have their members ratify the agreement.
“We have said all along that the ideal would be for the employer to work with us on resolving the outstanding issues,” said Lynne Fowler, president of CUPE Local 3338. Fowler says that her members will be very happy to exchange their picket signs for computers, pencils and all the tools required to support students and faculty in their work.
“This is a good faith measure,” said Fowler. “We certainly hope it works.”
-30-
Information:
Bob Fifik, CUPE national representative
cell: 604-209-9750 or
Lynne Fowler, president of CUPE local 3338
cell: 778-772-7416.