Daily News

Bargaining teams return to the table today

Bargaining teams for the University and the McMaster University Staff Association return to the table this afternoon. The talks will be conducted with a mediator present. In a letter sent to all employees today, University President Peter George said that he is "hopeful that the outstanding issues will be resolved and that a labour disruption will not occur." George writes that the University "must and can do a better job of creating a supportive, high-quality work environment" and that it is committed to making improvements. He also acknowledged that "mistakes have been made in the past which have created legitimate concerns." As of 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, MUSA may legally call for strike action, provided a strike vote has been taken with its membership and the result of that vote authorizes the union to call a strike. Once a strike vote is taken it would be possible for the union to call a strike at any time. Postscript: Today the University bargaining team distributed its job security and hours of work proposals to members of the McMaster University Staff Association. (END OF STORY)