TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2021 – United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1998 will host a press conference on Monday, Oct. 25 to outline the priorities of its 3,500 casual (contract) workers who are preparing for contract negotiations with the University of Toronto.
WHO:
– Colleen Burke, USW Local 1998 President
– Asmita Bhutani Vij, USW Local 1998 Casual Unit member and 2-year employee
– Scott Eldridge, USW Local 1998 Casual Unit member, and 19-year employee
– Karen Hampson, USW Local 1998 Casual Unit member, and 6-year employee
– Dr. Jesse McLaren, emergency physician and Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at U of T, Decent Work and Health Network
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Steelworkers Hall, front lawn (outdoors)
25 Cecil St., Toronto, ON M5T 1N1
* Zoom option available. Please email Margaret.bucknam@usw1998.ca for the link.
Despite the important roles performed by casual employees, the University of Toronto does not treat them as a valuable workforce, subjecting them to a revolving door of temporary work, with no paid sick days or job security. In the coming round of collective bargaining, the workers will be demanding better treatment, including paid sick days and a fair pathway to full-time employment.
USW Local 1998 represents over 8,000 administrative and technical workers at the University of Toronto, Victoria University, University of St. Michael’s College and University of Toronto Schools, including the 3,500 casual contract workers, who are employed in all areas of the university in roles ranging from Research Assistants and IT professionals to Student Life Officers, weight room attendants and Standardized Patients.
Colleen Burke, USW Local 1998 President, 647-883-2678, colleen.burke@usw1998.ca
Shannon Devine, USW Communications, 416-894-7118 (cell), sdevine@usw.ca
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