Academic and university operations continue as scheduled during one-day strike by trades union
Le Syndicat canadien des officiers de marine marchande, Section locale 9538 du Syndicat des Métallos (SCOMM–SGW), which represents 65 tradespeople mostly at the Sir George Williams Campus of Concordia University, has informed the university that it will be holding a “study day” tomorrow, Wednesday September 7, 2011, starting at 6 a.m. Under the Quebec Labour Code, a concerted cessation of work constitutes a strike. It affects services provided at the campus by members of the bargaining unit, which represents employees in five trades: plumbing, electrical, distribution, architecture and mechanical services.
We greatly appreciate the dedication of all of our employees, and I am hopeful that the issues related to this particular labour disruption can be resolved through a continuation of the bargaining process with the help of a conciliator already appointed by the Ministry of Labour.
In the meantime, the university has put into effect a contingency plan to minimize the strike’s impact on students, faculty, staff and visitors. Our priority is to ensure that classes and other academic work continue as required on the campus, and that essential services are maintained so that the university continues to function properly and safely during the strike.
Classes will be offered at the usual times and locations. All students are expected to report for their classes. All departments and services will open as usual.
For updates about the strike and other timely information, please consult www.concordia.ca.
SCOMM-SGW has the right to strike and form a picket line during the strike as long as it is not held on university property. Picket lines must allow the free passage of non-striking individuals to and from the campus and in and out of university buildings.
Employees who are not members of SCOMM-SGW have the legal right and responsibility to continue to work during the strike.
The shuttle bus, which runs between the Sir George Williams and Loyola Campuses, will maintain regular service. Any public events scheduled to be held at the university will proceed as planned, but please be aware that changes to scheduling are possible.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
Me Bram Freedman
Vice-President, Institutional Relations and Secretary-General