31 Custodians Fired by McMaster University Await Re-call - Union Plans Campaign

HAMILTON, ON, April 12 /CNW/ - Despite promises made by McMaster
University that it would re-hire 31 custodians terminated just days prior to a
union vote, many of those workers say they have not received a call to return
to work. Those that have been called say they are receiving only a small
fraction of the hours they worked prior to being terminated by McMaster.
On March 19th the University sent termination letters to all 31 of its
part-time custodians, just three days before a vote was to be conducted by the
Ontario Labour Relations Board. The vote proceeded and workers voted
unanimously in favour of joining the Service Employees International Union
(SEIU). Following the vote the union initiated legal action against the
University and threatened to set up picket lines. The University subsequently
agreed to reinstate the terminated workers in negotiations brokered by Wayne
Marston, President of the Hamilton and District Labour Council.

"We reached a deal with McMaster University based on their assurances
that people would be called back to work. McMaster hasn't delivered.
Many employees have not received a call to return to work. Those that
have are only getting an occasional shift. This is not what the
University promised."
- Diane Coventry, McMaster University Custodian

In response to the University's actions, SEIU plans to launch a campaign
under the banner "Justice for Janitors" aimed at pressuring the University
into recalling the terminated custodians.

"We plan to take our message to all of the University's functions.
Whether it's the arrival of the Tiger Cats on campus or the awarding
of an honorary degree to Jean Chretien, we will be there, making
noise."
- Tom Galivan, SEIU

Service Employees International Union represents over 1.8 million workers
in North America in every sector of the economy.



For further information: Media Contact: Tom Galivan, Service Employees
International Union, (905) 870-2709