Carleton University staff on strike

This morning at 6:00am picket lines went up as CUPE 2424 went on
strike. CUPE 2424 represents administrative staff, and support
workers (i.e. some library, dept. admin. staff, business offices, etc)
at Carleton University - those who play key roles within the
university and without whom the university in all of its capacities
would not function.

The major issues are: wage increases (the university was offering an
increase of 1.5% over three years and at 4am yesterday morning
increased that to 3%. The faculty received a wage increase of 4%
which contributes partially to CUPE 2424's slogan "A Fair Deal");
working conditions are also on the table for bargaining (i.e. improved
leaves); equity issues regarding improved protection against
harassment and discrimination; union representation in disciplinary
situations, etc. Please CUPE 2424's website for more precise details
and bargaining updates. (http://2424.cupe.ca).

CUPE 2424 has offered some strategies to show support for the strike
which involve pressuring the administration to offer a "fair deal". I
am writing to urge you to fill out the on-line petition that gets sent
to the Board of Governors to register your support for CUPE 2424.
This can be done by going to CUPE 2424's website and clicking on the
petition on the right hand side of the webpage.

You or your union/organization can also email the President of
Carleton University, Dr. Samy Mahmoud at samy_mahmoud@carleton.ca and
let him know that you find the actions of the administration appalling
---there are unions, and activists watching.