Red River, Assiniboine college staff vote to strike

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This article was published 24/03/2023 (984 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Union members at Red River College Polytechnic in Winnipeg and Assiniboine Community College in Brandon have voted in favour of strike action.

“We received a strong strike mandate from our members,” said Jodee Mason, spokesperson for the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union.

Mason would not reveal the percentage of members who voted in support of labour action.

The mandate does not necessarily mean a strike will happen, but gives the union the authority to take action in a dispute that centres on wages.

The parties returned to the bargaining table Friday morning, hours after the union tallied the votes.

Union president Kyle Ross declined to speak with media after the meeting, but issued a statement.

“We will continue to meet with the employer with the assistance of a conciliator. We’re hopeful that this strong strike mandate shows the strength of our resolve and provides the impetus for an improved offer,” he said.

“However, we’ve already begun making arrangements for job action if any new offer from the employer remains insufficient.”

RRC Polytech also published a statement.

“RRC Polytech respects the bargaining process and the union’s right to strike. However, the college strongly believes we can reach a meaningful resolution at the bargaining table,” said spokesperson Conor Lloyd. “At this time our regular operations, programs, and services continue as normal.”

The union represents roughly 1,900 members at the two post-secondary schools; many work as instructors, administrators or in information technology roles.

Negotiations for a new collective agreement began in October 2021.

RRC Polytech staff received a salary increase of 1.75 per cent in the last contract.

The parties are set to continue negotiations in the coming weeks, Lloyd said.