On March 17 at noon, from the steps of McGill University’s McCall MacBain building, a town crier officially announced that the institution’s floor fellows would be going on strike.
“The work that our McGill members do is crucial. They deserve respect and a decent salary,” said Yvon Barrière, PSAC-Quebec’s Regional Executive Vice-President. “And when an employer doesn’t take us seriously after months of negotiations, we have no choice but to roll up our sleeves and go out into the streets to demand that respect.”
The picket line will start at Montreal’s Jeanne-Mance Park today, at 11:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
“Our members stand united and have given us a strong mandate. More than ever, it is now time for us to mobilize,” said James Newman, President of the Association of McGill University Support Employees (AMUSE-PSAC).
On March 7, 84% of AMUSE-PSAC members voted in favour of a strike. AMUSE-PSAC and Unit B floor fellows have been negotiating for over 18 months. The collective agreement expired in 2020. Over the last few months, McGill has failed to offer floor fellows a decent rate of pay. Among other union demands, the university has refused to provide retroactive pay and to adjust its staff meal plan to the current rate.
Several demonstrations are expected in the next few days. Stay up-to-date by checking our website and social media channels, and encourage our members by signing the support letter.
