The University and CAW return to the bargaining table today to resume negotiations for a new collective agreement for McMaster's 2200 support staff.

The University's bargaining team will spend Thursday and Friday on the monetary and other issues that remain on the table, and has offered four more days for meetings with the conciliator from July 20 to 23.

Outstanding issues include the job classification process, for future employees only enrolment in the pension and post-retirement benefit plans, and rates of pay and pension contributions. The University's proposal ensures that all CAW members see an increase in their take home pay, that there will be no changes in the pension plan and benefits for current employees, and finds a more effective and equitable method to evaluate jobs.

The union has called a membership meeting to be held on July 13 at 5:00 p.m. in the Wentworth Room at the Hamilton Convention Centre beside Hamilton Place. The union says a strike mandate vote may be held at this meeting.

McMaster encourages all members to keep informed and to participate in this meeting. Members are also encouraged to continue checking the Labour Relations web site on the Daily News for updated information as bargaining resumes.