VICTORIA, B.C. – Components 1 and 2 of CUPE Local 4163, University of Victoria education workers, have given their bargaining committee a strong strike mandate in voting that was completed Friday evening.

“It’s been very disappointing that the University negotiators have not taken our members’ concerns seriously,” said CUPE 4163 President Alex McLeod.

They have been in bargaining since February 18, 2015 and have been without a contract since August 31, 2014. UVic education workers will continue to provide services at the university and want to reach a fair agreement without being forced to exercise their strike mandate.

“We’ve continued to bargain and we hope that UVic comes to the table with the intent to reach a settlement,” said McLeod.

CUPE 4163 represents three components at UVic.  Components 1 and 2 have not yet reached a collective agreement. They include UVic Teaching Assistants, Lab Instructors, Computer Lab Assistants, Academic Assistants, Language Instructors, Music Performance Instructors, Residence Life Leaders, and Cultural Assistants.

For more information, please contact:

Alex McLeod
CUPE 4163 President
250.472.4778

Loree Wilcox
CUPE National Representative
250.384.8048

Janet Szliske
CUPE Communications Representative
 604.454.7293