SEIU ratifies agreement – strike is over

Jan. 16 – Members of SEIU Local 2 (Hospitality) ratified a tentative agreement during a vote on Saturday, ending its strike.

The University and SEIU Local 2 (Hospitality) reached a tentative agreement Friday afternoon. The union's bargaining team recommended members accept the tentative agreement.

Jan. 14 – 6:00 p.m. – The University and SEIU Local 2 (Hospitality) have reached a tentative agreement.

The union will be holding a meeting Saturday, Jan. 15 beginning at 1:00 p.m. in MDCL 1105, followed by a ratification vote.

It is important that all members attend and participate. The union's bargaining team is recommending members accept the tentative agreement.

Jan. 14 – 9:30 a.m. – The University and SEIU Local 2 continued meetings
with the provincial conciliator through the night. The parties are taking a break and will
return to the table this afternoon. Further updates will be provided here and at
facebook.com/mcmasteruniversity and twitter.com/mcmasterupdates.

Jan. 13 – 4:30 p.m. – The University and SEIU Local 2 continue to meet
with
the provincial conciliator this afternoon in efforts to reach a collective agreement and
end
the strike.

Keep updated at facebook.com/mcmasteruniversity and
twitter.com/mcmasterupdates.

Jan. 12 – 1:15 p.m. – The provincial conciliator has called the University
and
SEIU
Local 2 back to the bargaining table. The parties will return to the table Thursday
morning. Current picketing activities are expected to continue.

Jan. 11 – 4:00 p.m. – Picketing continued at the Sterling and Cootes Drive
entrances to campus
today as SEIU Local 2 (Hospitality) remains on strike.

Delays getting into campus were more manageable today as many staff, faculty and
students have made
alternate arrangements for accessing campus, including using
public transit. The union continues to stop vehicles as they enter and leave campus,
however, and delays should be expected. The McMaster community and its neighbours
are thanked for their continued patience during this time.

The forecast for Hamilton calls for snowfall overnight which may also cause delays in
accessing campus. Check the Daily News, local radio and television stations and the
Hamilton Spectator website for updates on storm-related closures.

The University's top priority during the strike is to ensure students living in residence
and those with meal plans have access to food services. Hospitality Services is working
to provide a variety of menu items at its food service outlets. A list of open food outlets
and their hours of operation can be found at
http://mcmaster.ca/opr/labour_relations/seiu_local2%20hospitality.html.

Jan. 10 – 4:00 p.m. – Picketing continued at the Sterling and Cootes Drive
entrances to campus today as SEIU Local 2 (Hospitality) continued its strike.

It appeared delays getting into campus were somewhat more manageable today,
however the union continues to stop vehicles as they enter and leave campus. Waits are
expected for students arriving tonight for night classes and for those exiting the
University this afternoon and evening.

During the strike, the regular vehicular and pedestrian traffic patterns we're
accustomed to have changed. It is important that drivers and pedestrians take time to
ensure safety and exercise patience and courtesy when travelling around and on
campus.

Should you wish to report a safety or traffic concern, you can notify Security at
extension 24281.

Jan. 9 4:30 p.m. – Pickets are expected again Monday morning as the strike
by SEIU Local 2 (Hospitality) continues. Over the weekend, the union continued to
picket the university.

As of Sunday afternoon, the union has yet to agree to a complete picket line
protocol. In the absence of a protocol, the campus community is advised to give itself
additional time to get onto campus as extensive delays are expected. On Friday, pickets
also delayed vehicles leaving campus and the university has yet to hear from the union
as to whether this practice will continue on Monday.

Please remain patient and courteous while entering and leaving campus. Whenever
possible, consider using public transit or car pool with others.

There is a verbal commitment from the union to let emergency and other essential
service vehicles, such as DARTS transit, cross picket lines without delay.

In past strikes, it has been customary for unions to commit to a picket line
protocol which provides parameters for how vehicular traffic will be able to access and
leave campus.

More information, including details on HSR re-routing and tips on accessing campus, is
available at: