Media Advisory - CAW and University of Windsor Resume Negotiations on
Tuesday, Union Backed by High Strike Vote

TORONTO and WINDSOR, Oct. 11 /CNW/ - The CAW will resume negotiations with the University of Windsor tomorrow, Tuesday October 12, after receiving an overwhelming vote of support from membership to go on strike if necessary - a vote of 96 per cent over all.

This set of negotiations is also the first time where all units are at the bargaining table together and face the same strike deadline, of October 21 at 12:01 a.m.

The CAW represents 400 members in the campus police and parking (CAW Local 195), the operating engineers (CAW Local 2458), and the full and part-time office and clerical workers (CAW Local 2458).

The breakdown of the strike vote is as follows:

Campus Police & Parking - 95 per cent

Operating Engineers - 100 per cent

Full Time Office & Clerical - 90 per cent

Part Time Office & Clerical - 96 per cent

Outstanding issues include pensions and job security as well as wages and benefits.

The union remains committed to reaching a fair and equitable agreement, but has voiced frustration at the interference of the Ontario government in the free collective bargaining process. The province requested a pause in all university negotiations across the province.

The union tabled its joint economic proposal on September 24, but since then there has been little movement from the university.

Should an agreement not be reached before the strike deadline, all frontline services will be impacted, including services to students, heating and cooling of the buildings, parking and campus security and most other services at the university.

For further information: please contact CAW national representative Mina Sarajcic (cell) 519-817-4366 or CAW Communications Shannon Devine (cell) 416-302-1699