Facts Regarding Potential Strike Action by CAW Local 229

(Thunder Bay - April 4, 2005) Lakehead University Administration and CAW Local 229 will be meeting on April 6 with a mediator in an attempt to avoid strike action by the Union. However, in the event that a strike occurs, the following are some facts about the situation:

? No one will lose her/his job in the current contract.

? The University is seeking to bring in contractors once an employee retires or leaves the University; no one is losing a job.

? If a strike occurs, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Grounds, and Shipping & Receiving will be affected.

? Contrary to what the union claims in its flyers, the University does not insist on contracting out the work of members currently employed by the University. What the University wants is the flexibility to contract out new jobs and positions that will become vacant.

The University Administration continues to hope that the meeting on April 6 will have a positive resolution. However, 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 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 University, at 343-8372 or 472-9110.