CUPE Unit 3 and IATSE 461 could strike

CUPE 4207 — now infamous in the Brock University community for nearly striking this time last year — is once again so far into sour negotiations that they are considering a strike once again.

Unit 3 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 4207 are those in negotiations. This unit includes English as a Second Language (ESL) Instructors. Their strike deadline has been set for 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 15.

As Unit 3 only just successfully voted to join the union in June of 2011, this will be their first collective agreement with the University. As such, CUPE wants to make sure it is a good one.

Negotiations began in September and made good progress. This continued until November, when CUPE was stonewalled on all fronts.

CUPE President Dan Crow, who has been a part of the CUPE negotiating team, in both last year's and the current negotiations, stated that after their initial progress on other issues, it all stopped when it came to the main proposals.

"We have four key proposals which are based on job security, benefits, wages and workload," said Crow. "At this point, the employer is refusing all of them."

Most of the issues boil down to the distinction Brock makes between its full and part-time workers. According to Crow, full-time employees receive benefits, paid overtime, market average wage (usually) and job security. On the other hand, part-time employees have to reapply every few months, even though they may have worked the position for years. Furthermore, they have no benefits and have higher workloads without paid overtime.

"The work is there," said Crow. "Brock just has to make a commitment to its employees."

On Nov. 23 2011, Unit 3 held a strike mandate vote, to determine how their union members felt about a possible strike. The result was an overwhelming 99 per cent in favour of beginning the strike mandate.

On Jan. 17, CUPE sent an update to its members informing them that there had been no real progress on the University's part, and as such, the strike mandate and deadline will help to pressure them into action.

This lead to the planning for meetings under threat of strike, which took place from Feb. 13-14.

"Unfortunately, there was no movement from the employer on the key issues (wages, benefits, job security, workload). In all likelihood we will need to set a strike deadline in order to pressure the employer to move from its unacceptable position," as said CUPE 4207's September newsletter.

Unit 3 of CUPE 207 appears to be facing a similar problem to the last time they negotiated with Brock administration: lack of progress.

In last year's negotiations, CUPE 4207 repeatedly claimed that Brock was not taking the bargaining seriously, they were coming unprepared and intentionally dragging things out.

Also negotiating with Brock is the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 461. They will continue their negotiations on Feb 16, in preparation for their strike deadline for 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 17.

However, Crow feels that he has seen Brock's effort and attitude towards the negotiations improve since the last time.

"We've been given signs that they want progress, and I believe they are improving their process."

IATSE Local 461 has been fully organized with CUPE 4207 since Spring 2011.

Kevin Cavanagh, Associate Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Brock summed up the University's view on the process.

"The University is committed to the bargaining process, and will work with the union and the government appointed mediator to reach a fair and reasonable agreement."

Those interested can find information on both the collective bargain processes and their progress by visiting brocku.ca/collectivebargaining. This page stays up to date with Brock side and view of the negotiating progress.

For an update of the results of the negotiations, visit this article at brockpress.com for information released since publication.