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Operational Support Staff with Saint Mary's University in Halifax have voted 92% in favour of strike action. The 163 members of NSGEU Local 79 work in clerical, secretarial, technical, and library operational support roles.
Outstanding issues include wages, job evaluation, and harassment
Halifax (16 April 2004) - Operational Support Staff with Saint Mary's University have voted 92% in favour of strike action.
The 163 members of Local 79 of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) work in clerical, secretarial, technical, and library operational support roles.
The strike vote was counted on April 15 with over 97 per cent of workers casting a ballot.
Three days of conciliation between the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) Local 79 and St. Mary's have already taken place, with further talks scheduled for April 27 and 28.
The outstanding issues include wages, job evaluation, and harassment.
NSGEU Chief Negotiator Art Beaver says the vote should send a strong message to the Employer.
"Local 79 members turned out in record numbers to overwhelmingly reject the Employer's offer," says Beaver. "Our members expect the Employer to come to the table on the 27 and 28 with a serious offer that addresses the outstanding issues."
Operational Support Staff at St. Mary's have been without a contract since June 30, 2003.