Brock University maintenance workers may strike at the end of August

Custodians, trades, and maintenance workers at Brock University say there are just 9 days left to reach a new wage deal, or else their work may stop right before classes begin.

Local Union President Ken McClelland says the union is demanding a 3.75% increase in pay, and negotiations have stalled over the university offering 1.25% less. He says by August 22nd, they’ll be in a position to strike.

McClelland says employees have worked without a deal since May 1st. There’s only one scheduled bargaining meeting between today and the deadline leaving many employees picketing on the ground concerned.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees says their mediated meeting is scheduled for next Friday. Brock University added in its statement that while they hope a fair agreement will be reached, it has already begun planning to continue business on campus.