The clock has been set for a potentially historic moment – a possible strike in the book publishing industry. Members of CUPE 3261 who work at the University of Toronto Press and Bookstore requested a “no board” report from the Ontario Labour Relations Board yesterday evening.
A strike or lockout is legal 17 days after a “no board” is issued. The application follows a strike vote that received more than 90% support.
“The issues here are no different that we see for warehouse and distribution or retail workers anywhere: The rising cost of living, instability faced by part-time workers, the need for decent health benefits and sick days.” said Luke Daccord, president of CUPE 3261. “Our goal is to reach a deal that provides more stability for the workers, allowing improved operations at UTP and the bookstore for publishers and retail customers.”
CUPE represents more than 100 warehouse and distribution staff at the University of Toronto Press, and retail staff at the University of Toronto Bookstore.
UTP is best known as an academic publisher, but it is also the leading distributor of academic titles in Canada and also distributes books for many small and mid-sized independent Canadian publishers.
The parties have agreed to continue negotiations on October 29. The workers are expected to be in a legal strike position in early November.