OSSTF/FEESO District 35-Brock University Vote in Favour of Taking Strike Action

ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 7, 2011) - The members of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) District 35 – Brock University have voted 85% in favour of taking strike action if necessary to reach their contract goals.

"It has been 10 months since the expiry of our collective agreement. The employer continues to refuse to discuss compensation in any meaningful way at the bargaining table, despite the pattern of settlements we have seen across the province. We feel we have been more than patient. This strong strike mandate is a clear signal that our members' patience is now wearing thin," said Lesa Mansfield, President of the bargaining unit.

"We understand the value these workers bring to the ongoing and efficient operation of the university. They will have the full support of their provincial organization while they attempt to bring their employer to the same recognition and achieve a fair and reasonable contract settlement," added Harvey Bischof, OSSTF/FEESO provincial Executive Officer and Chair of the OSSTF/FEESO District 35 – Brock University bargaining team.

OSSTF/FEESO, founded in 1919, has 60,000 members across Ontario. They include public high school teachers, occasional teachers, educational assistants, continuing education teachers and instructors, early childhood educators, psychologists, secretaries, speech-language pathologists, social workers, plant support personnel, university support staff, and many others in education.