Some Cape Breton staff may strike

Employees at Cape Breton University were informed today that some workers who are part of the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU) may go on strike as early as this Friday.

If NSGEU members do walk out, they may have a tough time, since most university functions are expected to continue as normal. With the university running largely as before, administration may have little reason to give in to union demands.

Meanwhile, CBU President John Harker issued a stern warning today that all employees not on strike are still legally required to come to work. Harker knows that crossing a picket line in Cape Breton — where labour unions are revered because of the island’s history of coal mining and steel production — is no small matter and his letter to employees states repeatedly that those not on strike must come to work or face discipline.