Students urge BC government to settle contract disputes

VICTORIA, Nov. 20, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Federation of Students-BC is calling on the provincial government to get deals done with the thousands of campus workers who have outstanding contract negotiations.

"If it wanted to, the government could end all of the campus labour disruptions today," said Katie Marocchi, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-British Columbia (CFS-BC). "The government needs to get these deals done so students don't miss another hour of class."

The contract talks that are underway fall within the "net-zero" parameters as outlined by government. Contracts with several campus unions were signed during this semester, but progress stopped suddenly with no explanation as to why.

"The province must prioritize signing these contracts," said Marocchi. "Students, faculty, and administrators all want to see as little disruption as possible."

The Canadian Federation of Students-BC is composed of 16 students' unions from every region of British Columbia. Post-secondary students in Canada have been represented by the Canadian Federation of Students and its predecessor organizations since 1927.

SOURCE: Canadian Federation of Students - British Columbia

Katie Marocchi, Chairperson, CFS-BC  [phone]
Ian Boyko, Research and Communications Officer [phone]