Community College Faculty and Professional Support Workers Vote to Strike

HALIFAX , Sept. 22 /CNW/ - More than 900 faculty and professional support employees of the Nova Scotia Community College have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.

In electronic balloting held across the province today, some 91 per cent of faculty members voted 93 per cent in favour of the walkout. Some 96 per cent of professional support employees voted 90 per cent in favour of joining the job action. The Nova Scotia Teachers Union represents more than 760 faculty members and 165 professional support members at NSCC campuses.

"Members of the two Community College bargaining units have sent a strong message to the Department of Education," says NSTU President Alexis Allen . "Since talks broke down in June we have engaged in continuing discussions with the College and the Department of Education.

"However, there is still no financial commitment from the Department of Education to support an economic increase in 2009 or to have Community College members realize the same benefits that the Department of Education has agreed to provide to public school teachers."

Under the Trade Union Act, the faculty and professional support bargaining units may take strike action following 48 hours notice to the Minister of Labour and Workforce Development.

Community College members have been without a contract since August 31, 2008 .

For further information: Angela Murray, NSTU PR Coordinator, [phone]