CUPE applies for conciliation in bargaining with Cape Breton University

Previous agreement expired March 31, 2016

CUPE applies for conciliation in bargaining with Cape Breton University
CUPE Local 3131 represents about 65 members who work as administrative and support staff at Cape Breton University. GOOGLE STREET VIEW

The union representing support staff at Cape Breton University in Sydney, N.S., applied to the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education for conciliation in contract negotiations that broke off on Jan. 18.

Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) national representative Kathy MacLeod said the union hopes to meet with the conciliator as soon as possible. Outstanding issues include contracting out, job layoffs and wages, said the union.

The collective agreement expired March 31, 2016. At this point, no further talks are scheduled, according to CUPE.

"We've had eight face-to-face bargaining sessions and we feel that we have reached an impasse. We hope that the assistance of a conciliator will help to reach an agreement," said Darren MacKinnon, CUPE 3131 president.

CUPE Local 3131 represents about 65 members who work as administrative and support staff at Cape Breton University.

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