Concessions remain unresolved despite help of conciliator: union
The union representing 2,900 teaching assistants, research assistants, demonstrators, tutors and markers at McMaster University in Hamilton announced on Nov. 5 that they would be seeking a ‘no board’ report from the provincial labour ministry.
The decision by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Local 3906 means a lockout or strike could take place as soon as Dec. 1, says the union.
“McMaster’s refusal to bargain seriously with its post-secondary academic workers has left us no choice but to declare that we are at an impasse with our employer,” says Nathan Todd, CUPE 3906 president. “Our members are saying ‘enough is enough.’”
Negotiators for CUPE and McMaster and a provincially-appointed conciliation officer spent the day exchanging proposals. While the parties resolved some outstanding issues, concessions remained on the table as the two sides exchanged proposals well into the night, says the union.
A ‘no board’ report is issued by the Ministry of Labour when a party to labour negotiation declares the sides to be at an impasse. After 17 days from the date the report is issued, a lockout or strike can take place, says CUPE.
