Western requested on Tuesday that the Ontario Ministry of Labour issue a ‘no board’ report in relation to negotiations between the university and CUPE Local 2692, which represents approximately 630 hospitality workers.
The request for the no board report means 17 days after it is issued, a legal strike, or lockout, can be called. The 630 unionized employees work as food services assistants, food supervisors, cooks and chefs in Western’s Hospitality Services department. The union has called a membership meeting for early August.
“Western values the contribution of these employees and the administration is fully committed to achieving a negotiated settlement,” said Helen Connell, associate vice-president, Communications and Public Affairs.
Connell said, while the university is willing to return to the negotiations table at any time, contingency planning is underway should there be a labour disruption.
The contract with the hospitality workers expired June 30 and negotiations to reach a new agreement began May 26.