CUPE calls strike for Monday morning

CUPE has told TAs and RAs who are members of the Local 3906, Unit 1 bargaining
unit that they are going on strike and that picket lines will be in place at the University on
Monday morning.

The University offered to meet with the union again Monday morning on the condition
that it does not commence any strike action while discussions are ongoing. As of 9:00
p.m. Sunday night the union had not responded to the University's offer.

The union called the strike after rejecting the University's best offer that was tabled
after a marathon bargaining session that lasted until Saturday morning.The University has
offered higher wages, improved benefits and better job protection.

(For more information on the bargaining and contract offer please href=”http://mcmaster.ca/opr/labour_relations/index.html”>
go here .)

“While the University will stay open and classes will continue during a strike many
tutorials and labs will be impacted,” said Continuity Planning Committee co-chair and
vice-president, Administration Roger Couldrey. “We will do everything we can to reduce
the impact on students but there is bound to be confusion as people deal with picket lines
and any changes in student schedules, particularly in the first few days of the strike.” The
University and the union have agreed to a picketing protocol. Full details can be found href=”http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/images/protocol.pdf”> here.

Instructors will contact students if there are any changes in schedules. Students
should monitor their McMaster.ca emails and student updates on the http://mcmaster.ca/opr/students_parents/parent.html”>
clicking here and people can sign up for -%20In%20the%20event%20of%20a%20strike%20Oct%20%2029.pdf”>here.

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<p>CUPE has told TAs and RAs who are members of the Local 3906, Unit 1  bargaining <br />
unit that they are going on strike and that picket lines will be in place at the University on <br />
Monday morning.<br />
<p>The University offered to meet with the union again Monday morning on the condition <br />
that it does not commence any strike action while discussions are ongoing.  As of 9:00 <br />
p.m. Sunday night the union had not responded to the University&#039;s offer.<br />
<br />
<p>The union called the strike after rejecting the University&#039;s best offer that was tabled <br />
after a marathon bargaining session that lasted until Saturday morning.The University has <br />
offered higher wages, improved benefits and better job protection.  <br />
<br />
<p>(For more information on the bargaining and contract offer please<a <br />
href="http://mcmaster.ca/opr/labour_relations/index.html"><br />
go here </a>.)<br />
<br />
<p>"While the University will stay open and classes will continue during a strike many <br />
tutorials and labs will be impacted," said Continuity Planning Committee co-chair and <br />
vice-president, Administration Roger Couldrey. "We will do everything we can to reduce <br />
the impact on students but there is bound to be confusion as people deal with picket lines <br />
and any changes in student schedules, particularly in the first few days of the strike." The <br />
University and the union have agreed to a picketing protocol.  Full details can be found <a <br />
href="http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/images/protocol.pdf"> here</a>.<br />
<br />
<p>Instructors will contact students if there are any changes in schedules.  Students <br />
should monitor their McMaster.ca emails and student updates on the <a href=" <br />
http://mcmaster.ca/opr/students_parents/student.html">Daily News Labour relations <br />
page</a><br />
<br />
<p>They can also contact their instructors or department offices for additional <br />
information.  A parent web page is also available by <a href="<br />
http://mcmaster.ca/opr/students_parents/parent.html"><br />
clicking here </a> and people can sign up for <a href="<br />
http://twitter.com/McMasterUpdates">McMaster&#039;s Twitter feed</a><br />
<br />
<p>The University has been working with Hamilton Police to prepare for picket lines but a <br />
protocol has not yet been confirmed with CUPE.  It&#039;s expected that picket lines will be held <br />
at both the Sterling Street and Cootes Drive entrances. <br />
<br />
<p>There will be delays getting into and leaving campus so motorists are asked to leave <br />
themselves plenty of time and to be patient and respectful while waiting.  More <br />
information on accessing campus during a strike is available <a <br />
href="http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/images/FAQs%20Accessing%20Campus%20in%20the%20Event%20of%20a%20Strike.pdf">by clicking here</a> including information on <br />
alternate bus stops for both GO Transit and the HSR.<br />
<br />
<p>McMaster employees can find additional information on the Employee Labour <br />
Relations web site.  Information for TAs and RAs is also available <a href="http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/images/TA%20Frequently%20Asked%20Questions%20<br />
-%20In%20the%20event%20of%20a%20strike%20Oct%20%2029.pdf">here</a>.

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