The University of British Columbias decision to shut down its campus copy shop will deprive the campus of a quality, environmentally friendly service, and deprive six CUPE Local 2950 members of their jobs.
The local has grieved, arguing the decision violates anti-contracting out language in their contract. The local has also launched a campus campaign to stop the privatization of ImPress.
The more than 25-year old operation is known for high quality and environmentally sound printing. It had a very loyal following on campus until UBC management started forcing departments to send work to outside, non-union printers.
Last year, CUPE Local 116 forced UBC to cancel layoffs of many campus security officers using the grievance process and tremendous campus support.
The plan to privatize ImPress also comes on the heels of a failed attempt to privatize service workers of CUPE Local 917 at the University of Victoria.
The campaign features a website, impress.cupe.ca. The site has an online poll and an e-mail action to send messages to UBC President Martha Piper, with more to come.
CUPE members will be distributing stickers and posters on campus inviting the campus community to halt the spread of privatization on campus.