Western support workers take message to Queen's Park

CUPE has taken its message to Queen’s Park when it comes to being on the picket line at Western University.

Local 2361 Vice-President Chris Yates was in Toronto on Tuesday with London North Centre MPP Terence Kernaghan, CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn and NDP Labour Critic, Jamie West.

The main part of the group’s message was about the absence of a provincial anti-scab law.

 “Workers at Western University are on the picket line for a third week as they fight for a clean, safe and accessible campus for all. But as the university’s bosses continue to import scab labour from out of town, the need for anti-scab legislation has become ever more apparent,” said CUPE in a statement.

Speaking in Toronto, Yates said the union said it has the support of students and Londoners but doesn't have support of the University.

“And by bringing in scab labour, they continue to be able to hold us out longer on that line, longer and longer — trying to break our members’ spirits, trying to break the union, and it’s not fair. We call upon the government, the Ontario government, to follow the lead of the federal government and actually enact anti-scab legislation.”

Western’s 330 support workers have been on strike since Aug. 30, after talks with the university broke down.

In a statement to CTV News, Western wrote;

“Western respects the right of CUPE 2361 employees to strike. We also have a responsibility to continue operating the university and delivering on our important teaching and research missions.

Western has always had relationships with third-party vendors and service providers to allow an organization of our size and complexity to be flexible in providing the services our campus needs. We use vendors regularly for large maintenance jobs, urgent repairs and upgrades, as needed.

We value the critical role CUPE 2361 employees play, which is why we put such a strong offer on the table, providing average wage increases of nearly 22 per cent over four years – one of the best offers in our sector.

That’s on top of an already comprehensive package that includes pension contributions three times the amount the employee contributes, post-retirement benefits that provide lifetime health and dental coverage, and paid vacation starting at three weeks per year, plus an additional eight paid days a year.

It’s also important to note that this latest offer is in addition to the increases Western already provided to CUPE 2361 members in December 2023, following the end of the freeze under Bill 124. That included a total wage increase of 3.5%, a $1 per hour market adjustment and a $1,000 lump sum payment to all members.

We remain committed to achieving a negotiated agreement with CUPE 2361.”