University takes over labour dispute with local union
The Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1888 has voted to strike. The union represents about 35 workers at Windsor Park retirement residence, a complex recently acquired by Algoma University as part of a larger $3.2-million deal that included land and a number of businesses.
“Our members are on the very low end of the salary scale, they have no pension plan and few benefits, added to that, members of 1880 at Windsor Park receive only four sick days a year,” said Rick Alexander, CUPE National Representative, in a press release.
The union rejected a tentative offer made by Algoma. According to a story in the Sault Star, CUPE does not blame the university for the current situation. Instead, Alexander blames the previous owner.
“I certainly don’t blame the university, but at the same time, they’re responsible for addressing (the issue) at this time,” Alexander told the Star. “Algoma University has inherited what’s going on.”
The provincial Ministry of Labour has appointed a conciliator to meet with the two sides in October.