FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 10, 2001

Ryerson support staff rally to assist contract talks

TORONTO - OPSEU president Leah Casselman will join support staff at Ryerson University when they hold a rally on Wednesday to bolster contract talks with the employer.

Date: Wednesday, July 11, 2001
Time: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Place: Ryerson U., 380 Victoria St. (Victoria and Gerard), Toronto

Negotiations between the union and the employer have been under way for over a month. Issues at the table include job security, benefits and wages.

Stephanie Blake, president of OPSEU Local 596, says that talks are progressing, but moving slowly.

“We’re mobilizing our members over key issues,” Blake said. “Our members have not had a wage increase in ten years. University workers are trying to deal with the cuts by the Mike Harris government, but we can no longer continue under these conditions.”

One tactic that the employer is using to sidestep wage demands is the Tories’ “Public Accountability Act,” which prevents the employer from deficit spending. Blake says that this puts the Harris government at the bargaining table with them.

“The government sets the budget, therefore it has direct control over our negotiations,” Blake said. “We are looking at major concessions from the employer, a lot of which are directed at our contract staff. This is unacceptable.”

Without settlement, there could be a strike in the fall coinciding with the start of the new university semester.

-30-

For more information: Stephanie Blake: (416) 979-5351