July 13, 2012
AMS Security Workers Strike Today
MoveUP AMS Security Workers Off the Job After Continued AMS Unresponsiveness
VANCOUVER – MoveUP members working for UBC Alma Mater Society Security will be picketing the North entrance to the Student Union Building today from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM after mediation with the employer again reached a standstill.
“The last time we came forward with proposed job action the AMS asked us back into mediation. We went back to the table in good faith but they haven’t moved on the key issues. These workers are still the lowest-paid security workers on campus by far,” said Jarrah Hodge, Communications Representative for MoveUP.
The AMS Security staff are only picketing one entrance and are not trying to shut down the Student Union Building at this time. The union is asking other SUB workers and members of the public to use alternate building entrances and exits if needed.
“This is about getting out there and communicating more strongly with the campus community,” said Hodge, “We’ll have a leaflet and our members and staff will be talking to people one-on-one about the issues.”
Hodge noted in particular that the AMS has refused to confirm recall rights for current employees in case of their layoff. They are also continuing to put forward a two-tier wage proposal that would see new hires paid even less than existing employees are currently.
“We are willing to negotiate anytime but it has to be real negotiation,” Hodge added.
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Media Contact: Jarrah Hodge, jhodge@moveuptogether.ca
