Windsor University workers are urging management to do what it takes in upcoming bargaining talks to reach a fair settlement and avoid a service disruption that could start as early as next week. The 252 front-line workers, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), have been without a contract since March of last year.
“Our goal is to reach a fair deal without a work stoppage, and we hope the employer will come to the table with a strong determination to reach a settlement,” said Aldo DiCarlo, president of CUPE 1393. “Talks started in July of last year – a group of students has graduated and a new group has just joined the university and, yet, here we are still without a contract.”
The university workers who provide technical, trade and academic services, are frustrated as three other groups of university workers have already achieved their respective settlements with management. “All we are looking for is a fair contract, just like the other university staff, so we can focus on providing the important services that keep our university working,” continued DiCarlo.
With the help of a provincially-appointed mediator, both parties will enter mediation talks scheduled to start on September 28 for three days before a lock-out or strike deadline of 12:01 a.m. on October 1. “We hope that, with the assistance of a mediator, we will have a productive and meaningful three days of bargaining that will result in a fair contract for our members,” concluded DiCarlo.
For more information, please contact:
Aldo DiCarlo
CUPE 1393 President
519-981-2605 (cell)
Shelley Smith
CUPE National Representative
519-966-9595