Carleton University Campus Safety Workers vote in favour of strike

OTTAWA, Feb. 10, 2014 /CNW/ - Campus Safety Workers at Carleton University have voted 97.4% in favour of a strike should one be necessary. Close to perfect attendance at the vote means there is very strong support for strike action if the employer refuses to negotiate a reasonable contract.

"It is unfortunate that labour relations at Carleton University have come to this," said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "It's time for the University to make some serious decisions about commitment to campus safety."

Campus Safety Workers at Carleton University have called in a conciliator to help with ongoing contract negotiations. Their union, OPSEU, has also filed an Unfair Labour Practice complaint after the employer began targeting workers who wear union buttons and stickers.

"To our knowledge, Campus Safety workers have never been on strike in all of Canada. This would be an unfortunate way for Carleton University to make history," said Brent Gobeo, Bargaining Team Chair and OPSEU Local 404 Vice-President.

Numerous student groups and unions representing workers at Carleton University attended an information picket on Wednesday, February 5. OPSEU local 404, CUPE 4600, the Graduate Students Association, the OPIRG and CUASA came together for this picket to let students and the community know how the University is treating staff.

Carleton University Safety Workers include special constables, dispatchers, campus safety officers and student safety patrollers.

SOURCE: OPSEU

Nelson Ross Laguna, OPSEU Negotiator: 1-800-268-7376 x5445, [email protected] 



Brent Gobeo, Bargaining Team Chair and OPSEU Local 404 Vice-President: 613-295-9040