Talks Break Down between Lakehead U, CAW Local 229

(Thunder Bay - April 6, 2005) Talks between Lakehead University Administration and CAW Local 229 have broken down, and the University is now on 72-hour notice of strike action by the union.

In the event that a strike occurs, the following are some facts about the situation:

1) The union has refused the University's offer, under which the University was asking for flexibility to outsource certain positions.
2) The University was seeking to bring in contractors once an employee retires or leaves the University; no one was losing a job.
3) If a strike occurs, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Grounds, and Shipping & Receiving will be affected.

If a strike does take place, the University will continue to operate in as normal a fashion as possible to ensure that students are able to take their exams or attend classes.

Members of the Media: Questions regarding the potential strike should be directed to Eleanor Abaya, Director, Communications, Lakehead University, at 343-8372 or 472-9110.

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Contact: Eleanor Abaya, Director, Communications, Lakehead U, at 343-8372 or 472-9110