Union, St. Catharine’s university reach agreement on weekend

With the school year approaching, it came down to the wire but Brock University and the union that represents custodians, tradespersons and grounds crews have a tentative agreement that they inked over the weekend.

Friday (August 19) was initially meant to be the final day of negotiations between the university, which has campuses in St. Catharines and Thorold, and CUPE 1295 but the two sides sensed they were getting closer and kept going at the table.

The present deal is considered tentative simply because the union has to review it with their 150 members while the university has to present it to their Board of Trustees.

“We value the work of our colleagues in supporting the academic mission and student experience at Brock,” said Ken Chan, Vice-President, Administration.

“Brock and CUPE have reached a fair collective agreement that reflects the importance of the contributions of members of the bargaining unit.”

CUPE 1295 came away equally happy with the negotiations.

“I am proud of the determination our members showed all throughout a tough round of negotiations,” said Ken McClelland, president of CUPE 1295.

“Their solidarity was key to reaching a deal that values the contribution they make to life at Brock.”