A statement to students
On Oct. 3, approximately 235 custodial, maintenance and trades workers on campus will be in a legal position to be locked out by the University of Guelph or go on strike. These workers are members of Local 1334 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 1334). Working behind the scenes, these dedicated individuals keep our campus safe and clean throughout the year.
Neither your students’ union or these workers want to see a labour disruption on campus; however, we recognize the need for fair wages, pensions, access to previously agreed upon benefits, and job security. These rights, protections and benefits are essential in keeping students safe, and students don’t want to see them disappear. It is important that the workers who are ensuring that our campus is safe and accessible are treated equitably during working hours and throughout the labour negotiation process.
CUPE has played a significant role in supporting students on a number of issues throughout the years. These issues have included advocating for high quality and accessible education; standing up against water privatization by supporting municipal public tap water; and keeping our working, living and learning conditions safe on campus. Specifically, CUPE 1334 workers have protected students on multiple occasions from significant health and safety risks, including cases of asbestos and mold outbreaks in student spaces such as the second floor of the University Centre and sections of South Residence this past summer. Based on the right of CUPE 1334 to refuse unsafe work, these workers were able to demand that the University of Guelph act quickly to address these safety issues.
With many of us expecting employment challenges upon graduation, it is now more important than ever for students to stand in solidarity with workers and demand fair wages, essential benefits, and job security to sustain livelihoods.
We urge the University of Guelph to bargain in good faith with CUPE 1334 to prevent a labour disruption on campus, and to work diligently to negotiate a fair deal with workers. Such an approach would bring a long-awaited end to these negotiations, which have been underway since Feb. 1 of this year.
Should labour disruptions occur, your CSA will keep you updated on what is happening with negotiations. Members can find answers to frequently asked questions, and information about changes to the services you access (including buses) at: www.csaonline.ca/students-and-workers-united/