Pay, staffing issues at the centre of dispute
Queen’s University workers, represented by five bargaining units, have given their employer notice of a strike deadline after talks failed to resolve concerns over the cost-of-living crisis, understaffing, and job stability. Approximately 1,000 workers, including foodservice staff, library workers, tradespeople, technicians, custodians, and caretakers, are involved.
They filed with the Ontario Labour Relations Board today, making job action possible starting February 3.
CUPE 229 vice-president James Adams-Moore said, “It’s frustrating. We’ve been waiting for Aramark to address the staffing and cost-of-living crisis since April.”
Workers report pay cuts of 11-15% below inflation in recent years, while senior administrators saw an 8.9% pay increase.
CUPE 1302 president Kim Bell added, “There’s a real imbalance. It’s hard to retain staff, and it’s making workloads unmanageable.”
Workers are demanding real solutions from the university and Aramark to improve working conditions and services for students.
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