Dear Colleagues,
Please note that CUPE Local 4580 represents GA’s and TA’s at the University of Windsor. It is not to be confused with CUPE Local 1393.
CUPE Local 1393 which represents almost 300 trades, technical, and professional staff at the University of Windsor went on strike early morning of September 8 , 2013.
FAQ’s:
Why is CUPE Local 1393 on a strike?
The administration has rejected or refused to discuss most of their proposals to protect the jobs and work conditions of their members, even those that they believe would save the university money. Instead the administration has proposed changes that would weaken CUPE 1393 members’ job security and seniority rights and devalue their compensation.
How will a strike by CUPE Local 1393 affect me?
During a strike by Local 1393, the University will remain open. Here is the link to the services that are being affected because of the strike:
http://www1.uwindsor.ca/bargainingunits/information-for-students
The union cannot predict what form these might take, but graduate students will probably notice the effects of a strike most directly on the teaching labs run by technicians, classroom support from the Centre for Teaching and Learning, and depending on your discipline: IT Services, the Chemical Control Centre, technologists in engineering and technicians in the School for Creative Innovation.
If you are concerned about a change in service, please contact the manager of the specific service. When they explain what accommodations they will make, please pass this information back to the GA and TA union, CUPE Local 4580, so that we may share it with others affected.
Please do not perform the work of the bargaining unit while CUPE 1393 members are on strike. If you are uncertain what constitutes CUPE 1393 work, you may direct the question to the CUPE 4580 executive.
What should I expect as I approach a picket line?
Picketers will ask you to support their cause by not crossing the picket line. They may engage in a conversation or offer you some literature explaining the strike. Under no circumstances will they stop you from entering campus. If you experience inappropriate behaviour by a CUPE 1393 picket, please report it to strike headquarters at communications.CUPE1393@gmail.com.
What does it mean to cross a picket line?
Crossing a picket line means you ignore the union’s demonstration and go into the place being picketed. You are legally allowed to cross a picket line.
The point of the picket line is to draw attention to the unjust treatment CUPE 1393 are receiving from the administration. By ignoring it, you are telling CUPE 1393 and the administration that you do not support their right to fair working conditions and secure full-time jobs. This can lengthen the time it takes for CUPE 1393 to negotiate a fair settlement and return campus operations to normal.
What if there are no pickets blocking me from entering the campus or a building?
During the strike, CUPE Local 1393 will be picketing the entire university. Please understand that even if you see no picketers physically present at a particular time, if you enter UWindsor facilities while CUPE 1393 are on strike, you have crossed their lines.
I don’t want to cross the picket line. What do I need to do?
If you choose not to cross the picket line, you must inform your professors that you intend not to cross the picket line. Basically, students have the right to refuse to cross the picket line and should make arrangements to make up work missed during this time without penalty. We expect the university will provide specific instructions to all students soon.
Will choosing to honour a picket line affect my academic record?
The university respects the right of students or faculty members, as a matter of conscience, to refuse to cross a picket line in a labour dispute. Informing your professors of your intention not to cross a picket line will not become part of your academic record.
How long will a strike last?
This is impossible to predict. The strike will last as long as it takes to obtain a fair and equitable collective agreement.
How else can I show support for CUPE Local 1393?
Anyone wishing to show support for the cause may wear an “I support CUPE 1393” button, available from the strike headquarters at 856 Sunset Avenue. You are invited to join the CUPE 1393 picket lines or provide any kind words of support. You may also wish to post supportive messages to social media sites and to send a message to President Alan Wildeman asking him to offer CUPE 1393 a fair contract. You can reach Dr. Wildeman at president@uwindsor.ca or phone 519-253-3000, ext. 2000.