CUPE Sask. asks business groups to mind their own business

[Nov 7, 2007 11:23 AM]

For Immediate Release:
November 7, 2007

SASKATOON: The Canadian Union of Public Employees – Saskatchewan is appalled today that two Saskatoon business associations are attempting to interfere in the union’s negotiations with the University of Saskatchewan.

The Saskatoon and District Chamber of Commerce and the North Saskatoon Business Association (NSBA) have circulated a media release, encouraging the University of Saskatchewan to refuse to negotiate with the employees currently on strike.

“We’re aware that these two business organizations are encouraging the University of Saskatchewan to stand firm against the union members on a specific issue,” said CUPE Saskatchewan’s President, Tom Graham. “Bargaining is a process that’s protected by law in this province.

“These two organizations are not privy to the details of the negotiations and these negotiations have nothing to do with the Chamber of Commerce or the NSBA. Negotiations are strictly between the union and the employer, and we’re asking that both the NSBA and the Chamber of Commerce respect that.”

Graham added that the 2,400 employees currently out in the cold deserve the respect and support of the public while they attempt to gain a fair contract.

CUPE is the largest union in Saskatchewan and in Canada. CUPE Saskatchewan is made up of 27,000 public sector workers in the province who work at health care facilities, municipalities, school boards, universities, libraries and community-based organizations.

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