U of T's High-Handed Treatment of Casual Employees Condemned

TORONTO, June 22 /CNW/ - Hundreds of the University of Toronto's most-vulnerable and lowest-paid employees are being unfairly penalized by the university's autocratic decision-making related to the G20 Summit.

"Imposing mandatory, unpaid leave on your lowest-paid workers, without even consulting those affected, is unacceptable behaviour, particularly for a supposedly-enlightened employer," says Allison Dubarry, President of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1998.

The USW represents about 2,240 casual employees at U of T and is publicly condemning the university's imposition of unpaid days off on many of these employees.

The university's high-handed decree stems from another of its unilateral decisions - to close its St. George campus during the G20 Summit. The USW has filed grievances demanding the casual employees be paid their wages.

"In previous statements responding to criticism of its response to the G20 Summit, the University of Toronto said our members would not be adversely affected," notes Dubarry.

"It is unconscionable for the university to now penalize its lowest-paid, casual employees, while higher-income, permanent employees receive their pay as scheduled."

For further information: Allison Dubarry, USW Local 1998, 416-949-9008; Stuart Deans, USW Area Coordinator, 647-226-8792; Carolyn Egan, USW Toronto Area Council, 416-806-7985