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Saskatoon: Support workers from Saskatchewans two universities will hold a noon hour demonstration on Tuesday, November 25, to protest the University of Saskatchewans refusal to complete the job evaluation process.

Were extremely frustrated by our employers latest attempt to derail the process, says CUPE 1975 U of S president Glenda Graham. The union filed a grievance last month to force the employer to finish the joint plan.

The University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina and the Canadian Union of Public Employees which represents about 2,000 support workers on the two campuses signed a formal agreement in 1998 to conduct a joint job evaluation plan to achieve internal wage parity and pay equity.

The plan has taken more than five years to complete. Now that the end is in sight, the U of S wants to quit the process and abandon the plan, says Graham. We have invested an incredible amount of time and energy in this process. Theres no way we are going to allow this university to cut and run at the 11th hour.

She described the employers actions as cowardice and irresponsible. “You cant agree to build a house together and then refuse to finish the trim to avoid paying the mortgage, says Graham.

The university wants to split from the University of Regina and negotiate a cheap fix instead of a fair settlement for CUPE support workers, she adds.

The noon hour rally on Tuesday will take place in the U of S Bowl. Speakers include:


CUPE Saskatchewan President Tom Graham
Rhonda Heisler, CUPE 1975 Joint Evaluation Committee
Gwen Thompson, Saskatoon Public Library
Marianne Hladun, Public Service Alliance of Canada

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For more information contact:
Glenda Graham at 221-8177