Union applies for conciliation in bargaining with Cape Breton University

The union representing support staff at Cape Breton University in Sydney has applied to the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education for conciliation in contract negotiations that broke off on January 18, 2018.

Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) National Representative Kathy MacLeod says the union hopes to meet with the conciliator as soon as possible. Outstanding issues include contracting out, job layoffs and wages.

The union’s collective agreement expired March 31, 2016. At this point, no further talks are scheduled.

“We are not where we hoped to be,” says CUPE 3131 President Darren MacKinnon. “We’ve had eight face-to-face bargaining sessions and we feel that we have reached an impasse. We hope that the assistance of a conciliator will help to reach an agreement.”

CUPE Local 3131 represents approximately 65 members who work as administrative and support staff at Cape Breton University.