Strong Strike Votes Signal Possible Labour Disruptions at Queen’s University in the New Year

KINGSTON, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Members of three union locals representing more than 1000 workers at Queen’s University delivered overwhelming majorities in strike votes held this week.

“Queen’s has been neglecting its workforce, its students and its facilities,” said Steve Senechal, a millwright and president of CUPE Local 229. “On campus, many workers don’t earn a living wage, and even for those who do, it’s way below other employers in the Kingston region. That severely hurts the university’s ability to attract and retain staff and provide quality services to the campus community.”

Three locals of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) held strike votes between December 10 and 13, 2024. These include trades, custodial and foodservice workers in CUPE 229, educational and laboratory technical staff in CUPE 254 and library technicians in CUPE 1302.

Across all three locals, 96% of members voted in favour of strike action if needed, signaling the depth of worker dissatisfaction.

“I love the students, and I love working at the university, but it’s hard to see how our members are struggling financially. Many have had to take a second job just to make ends meet. Without adequate remuneration, Queen’s will be unable to attract and retain the sort of highly qualified technicians needed to create an excellent learning environment,” asked Marie Edwards, an IT technician and president of CUPE Local 254.

Most of these Queen’s workers have seen their wages fall below inflation by 11-14% in recent years. In some units, the majority of workers don’t earn a living wage, and a quarter have taken on second or third jobs to try and make ends meet. Even in trades, wages are $10-15 an hour lower than at other Kingston employers. Understaffing is lowering the level of services to students and faculty.

“Our members have sent a clear and resounding message: we will not stand by while wages stagnate and our libraries remain critically understaffed,” said Kim Bell, special collections coordinator at the university’s library and president of CUPE Local 1302. “People would be shocked if they knew what Queen’s workers are dealing with while senior administrators make as much as half a million dollars a year.”

All three CUPE locals are in conciliation, and the strong strike votes make labour disruptions a distinct possibility at Queen’s University and Aramark at Queen’s University early in the new year.

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