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"Only 66 per cent of the members voted in favour of this agreement. The employer has been given a clear message that the contract does not fully address all of the workers’ concerns." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.
Ottawa (31 Mar. 2014) — Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) employed as Campus Safety workers at Carleton University have voted 66 per cent in favour of a new contract. Workers will be back on the job on Tuesday, April 1 after a strike that lasted more than three weeks.
Workers sent Carleton University that improvements must be made to campus safety
“I want to congratulate all of our OPSEU/NUPGE members at Carleton University today. Nobody wants to be on strike, but they did what it takes to ensure the campus remains a place where good jobs and student safety are respected,” said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
"Only 66 per cent of the members voted in favour of this agreement. The employer has been given a clear message that the contract does not fully address all of the workers’ concerns. This is a first contract, and we expect there to be improvements in the future that further improve working conditions and make safety for everyone on campus a priority," said Thomas.
Incredible solidarity shown for this first round of bargaining
“Thanks to everyone who offered their solidarity while Campus Safety workers were on the picket line,” said OPSEU Bargaining Team Chair, Brent Gobeo. “A huge number of OPSEU/NUPGE locals and members showed us support, and we especially appreciate the solidarity of CUPE 4600, NUPGE, CUPE 5500, CUPE 2424, CUASA, ATU 279 and the Ottawa and District Labour Council, as well as all of the many other unions, students, and members of the community. We are overwhelmed by the number of people who sent emails and letters, offered donations and joined us out on the line in spite of the cold weather.”
The three-year contract includes an increase in wages as well as improvements to job security.
Carleton University Safety Workers include special constables, dispatchers, campus safety officers and student safety patrollers.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE