Media Advisory - Carleton University Campus Safety workers forced to strike: OPSEU

OTTAWA, March 10, 2014 /CNW/ - Campus Safety workers at Ottawa's Carleton University are on strike as of 12:01 Monday morning, March 10, 2014. Media are invited to attend a press conference at 9 am at the Ottawa District Labour Council office.

WHAT: Press Conference
WHERE: Ottawa District Labour Council office, 500-280 Metcalfe Street
WHEN: 9 am, Monday, March 10

"Our members are deeply disappointed that we were not able to reach an agreement with Carleton University," said OPSEU Negotiator, Nelson Ross Laguna.

"Nobody wants a strike," said Ross Laguna, "but we will do what it takes to ensure the employer comes back to the table ready to negotiate a fair agreement with their Campus Safety workers."

Key issues leading to the impasse were job security and lack of sufficient staffing to ensure campus safety.

While Carleton University has grown from 20,000 students in 2007 to more than 30,000 students today, the number of Campus Safety workers has not increased to match this growth in need.

OPSEU Local 404 shares the March 10 strike deadline with CUPE 4600, and the two unions will continue to support each other until fair contracts are reached with Carleton University. CUPE 4600 represents Carleton teaching assistants and contract instructors.

There are 50 Carleton University Safety Workers including 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 (c)