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Members of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) Local 18 are on strike. The members are maintenance and trades workers at Cape Breton University.
Sydney (26 Oct. 2010) - Members of NSGEU Local 18, maintenance and trades workers at Cape Breton University, are on strike for a fair agreement.
"These workers keep the heat on, the air circulating and the lights burning in all Cape Breton University’s buildings and residencies. They maintain the ice in the rink and make sure the entire campus is safe during and after snowstorms," says NSGEU President Joan Jessome.
There are 13 members of the bargaining unit. They are carpenters, plumbers, electricians, maintenance workers, rink attendants and heating plant operators.
"All we are asking for is respect. We are asking for the same increase other Cape Breton University employees were given – 2.9% for four years (2009-2013)."
Their contract expired July, 2009.
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The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE