Contract renewal negotiations warn of impending strike
Negotiations between the University of Guelph and Local 1334 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is causing a stir as the deadline for a collective agreement is fast approaching.
The union has been in negotiations with the university since last spring and, as of their most recent meeting on Sept. 11, has not reached even a tentative agreement. This was despite the university’s offer of a wage increase and steps to sustain the university’s pension plan without effecting core pension benefits already in place.
As a result of the lack of consensus, the university requested a ‘no board’ report from the Ministry of Labour, which now means that CUPE 1334, which represents approximately 235 trades, custodial, and maintenance workers, could be in a legal strike position as of 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 3.
Charles Cunningham, Assistant Vice-President of Communications and Public Affairs, explained that “in the event of a strike, plans are being developed to minimize the risk of significant interruptions to operations, and the university will remain open and all classes will proceed as scheduled.”
The negotiations are coming at a time when the university is dealing with a projected $32 million operating shortfall. Cunningham cautioned that the university is doing everything in its power to reduce the risk to jobs and that “contrary to misinformation [I have] seen, the university has no intention of locking out employees.”
However, not everyone is as convinced that the contract with CUPE 1334 will go over smoothly.
Janice Folk-Dawson, President of CUPE 1334, stated that, “[our] intention is to remain at the table as long as necessary to achieve a collective agreement that is fair to all parties and that protects quality post-secondary education at the university.”
According to union representatives, heavy workloads caused by the university’s refusal to fill vacant positions and employment security remain key issues.
Further negotiations are scheduled to take place with a provincially appointed mediator on Oct. 1. The outcome of this mediation will likely dictate whether a strike is a plausible course of action.
As Folk-Dawson pointed out, “[our] members will not be intimidated into accepting a contract that harms quality post-secondary education and decent jobs that are so vital to making Guelph a great place to live.”
At the same time, the University of Guelph is focusing on achieving a fair and reasonable negotiated agreement, recognizing the contributions of employees while taking into consideration the significant short and long-term fiscal challenges currently being faced.
The University is maintaining the stance that, if a strike were to occur, students would face minimal disruption. The Guelph community will be updated on the status of negotiations as details become available in early October.