Update on Steelworkers Local 4120 Negotiations

This bulletin is intended to update the U of G community on the talks between the University and United Steelworkers Local 4120, the union that represents nearly 1,000 University staff members.

The University is currently negotiating a new collective agreement with the union. The current agreement expired April 30, 2011. Negotiations began in spring, and since that time the parties have made progress on many outstanding issues. To date, talks have failed to result in the signing of a new collective agreement. Pending the receipt of the “no board” report from the conciliator, it is expected that employees represented by United Steelworkers Local 4120 will be in a legal strike position as of midnight Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011. It’s important to note that this does not mean there will be a labour disruption. Talks may continue between the parties beyond the Sept. 8 deadline.

The University and union have agreed to continue negotiations with the assistance of a provincially appointed mediator on Aug. 25, and several other meeting dates are expected to be scheduled. The University is committed to continued discussions and remains dedicated to negotiating a fair settlement. We will communicate with the U of G community on a regular basis to ensure that you remain informed.

For more information regarding the University of Guelph's various employee groups, please visit Staff Relations.