Countdown begins for possible strike at Trent University

PETERBOROUGH, ON, June 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 365 at Trent University have requested a "no-board report" from the Ministry of Labour which begins a countdown to a possible July 16 strike.

Local 365, which represents 372 support workers at Trent, have been negotiating since June 6 with the support of a 95 per cent strike vote.

The Local's current two-year contract expires June 30 and included a 0 per cent wage freeze.

"We have been flexible and responsible in our demands and have put forth a reasonable package," said Local President and Bargaining Team Chair Rose Dunford. "But the employer wants still more savings. Our members have done their part; the wage freeze we took likely saved Trent close to a million dollars. Now they want to claw back our pension. This is unacceptable. We have already paid the price."

Local 365 represents members in Physical Resources, IT, Secretarial, Library Science and Administrative Staff.

Rose Dunford: 705-772-4451
Twila Marston, OPSEU Staff Representative: 705-740-5049
www.opseulocal365.com