REGINA – Administrative, Professional, and Technical (APT) employees at the University of Regina have voted in favour of a strike mandate after three days of mediation failed to complete a new collective bargaining agreement.
At a recent meeting they voted 85 per cent in favour of the mandate.
“This vote sends a clear message to management at the University of Regina,” President of the University of Regina Faculty Association (URFA) Dennis Fitzpatrick said in a statement.
“Our members expect to be treated fairly and in a way that acknowledges their valuable contributions to the university and the university community.”
The main issues for APT employees include retirement bonuses, compensation, and layoff concerns.
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“Like a lot of institutions of it’s kind, it’s facing difficulties and our members are concerned,” URFA chief negotiator Thomas Phoenix said.
“It’s been told to us at the bargaining table that this is likely something that this will be a likely occurrence. So we’re concerned about our members and we’re going to do our best to protect them.”
The union is calling on management to come back to the table and conclude a timely and fair settlement.
University management declined comment in person, but in a statement said they are working with URFA to schedule another round of talks and are “optimistic” about reaching an agreement in the near future.
The APT is one of the six bargaining groups under the URFA, which includes over 1,400 employees across the U of R, First Nations University of Canada, Luther, and Campion College.
The U of R has 331 employees that are APT members including, researchers, IT professionals, recruiters, and faculty advisers for students.
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