Administrative staff at Capilano University vote 94% for strike action

Lack of movement at bargaining table prompts strong vote

Unionized administrative and professional staff at Capilano University have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action. Members of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, local 378 (MoveUP) voted 94 per cent for job action.

The parties have been bargaining since September 25 of this year. During that time, despite settlements at other post-secondary tables throughout BC, there was no movement from the employer on the issue important to MoveUP members: fair and reasonable wage increases without concessions.

“It’s been incredibly frustrating for our members,” said MoveUP Vice President Heather Lee. “Capilano University doesn’t seem to have the direct authority to bargain anything. All language items need approval through PSEA (the Post-Secondary Employers Association). We’re sitting across the table from people who have no authority to discuss anything of substance.”

“It’s our hope this strong strike mandate is a wake-up call for Capilano, and for the PSEA,” continued Lee. “Our members have waited long enough and their wages have fallen too far behind inflation.”

Before taking the step of issuing 72-hour strike notice, the MoveUP bargaining team will meet with the employer at the provincial common table next week to try to resolve the monetary issues.

The 357 MoveUP members at Capilano University work in areas as diverse as payroll, financial aid, and marketing and communications.

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Media contact: Sage Aaron, 604-317-6153, saaron@moveuptogether.ca