FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 2, 2001
Will the Governor General cross the
NAC picket line this weekend?
OTTAWA - "A last-ditch attempt yesterday to settle the current contract dispute between the National Arts Centre and its Ushers and Guides has proven unsuccessful," says John Baglow, Public Service Alliance of Canada Regional Executive Vice-President for the National Capital Region.
"At the Employer’s request, the parties met until 12:30 this morning," adds Baglow. "Going into these talks we had some optimism that the NAC was willing to settle this dispute prior to the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala tomorrow evening. While the employer continues to say that the Ushers and Guides are valued employees, it is not willing to negotiate a new collective agreement that will be both reasonable for the NAC and fair for the workers.
"We are urging the Governor General to show respect for these workers by not crossing their picket lines. And, we are also urging the invited foreign dignitaries and guests to support the Ushers and Guides by staying home," continues Baglow. "In addition, they could show their support by contacting Peter Herrndorf and urging him to negotiate a successful conclusion to the dispute before the performance."
The Ushers and Guides, members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, will be on the picket line on Saturday evening, November 3.
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For information:
John Baglow, PSAC REVP for the NCR (613) 560-4380
Mark Pecek, PSAC regional representative (613) 299-5296
54-021101