"Without any direct communications from CUPE on the provision of essential services despite our specific request to meet and discuss this issue, we have to make plans to ensure the safety and security of patients, students, staff, and animals," said Association Vice-President, Barb Daigle. "We are concerned that there has been no response from the Union to our written request to meet about this that we sent them on October 25, and October 29th."

The University developed contingency plans and has enacted them to address essential services and operational responsibilities in the event of any labour disruption.

"CUPE indicated that job action may begin as early as 4:00 p.m. today and that members have been told to stop work at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow," Daigle added. "While we respect the rights of those employees who are members of CUPE 1975 to engage in job action, we are also taking all appropriate steps to ensure the University is prepared."

In the event of job action, the University's priorities are to ensure the safety and security of students, patients, staff and animals, and to ensure the continuation of academic programming.

The University's current offer includes a 17 per cent increase over three years. The increase represents 4.5% increase in 2007, 4.75% in 2008 and 5.0% in 2009. Pension contributions increase from 4.82% to 6.0% in 2008 and to 6.5% in 2009 (1.68% increase). Unsocial hours premium increase from $0.80/hour to $0.90/hours and is expanded to cover casual and recurring relief employees. Those employees who are already over the top of their salary range will receive one-time lump sum payments of 5% in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Benefits funding has been increased to 6.0%. At the end of the conciliation process last week, the University's wage offer had been accepted by the union. The only remaining issues were increases for non-performers and benefits.

"The University will do everything possible to continue normal operations, including continuing students' classes," Daigle said. "We remain committed to bringing negotiations with CUPE 1975 to a conclusion as soon as possible."

CUPE 1975 represents about 2,100 administration, maintenance, custodial and food services employees at the U of S.

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Additional information can be viewed at www.blogs.usask.ca/updates
An information line has been created at 966-6510

For more information contact:

Lori Auchstaetter
Human Resources, University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6278 or (306) 291-7274