Media Advisory: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004

WHAT: Information picket
WHO: AUPE members employed by SAIT
WHEN: Noon today
WHERE: 16th Avenue N.W., north of SAIT Campus
WHY: To draw attention to an impasse in bargaining

CALGARY — Information pickets by Alberta Union of Provincial Employees members employed by the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology are planned today to draw attention to an impasse in bargaining for a new collective agreement.

The information picket will take place on 16th Avenue N.W. immediately north of the campus.

AUPE Vice-President Lynne Gingras will take part in the information picket.

AUPE local 039 represents approximately 600 support staff employees of the Calgary institution. AUPE and SAIT management are far apart on several important issues in the current round of bargaining.

Key issues include the attempt by the employer to roll back the wages of food services workers to barely above minimum wage, and to slash benefits paid to employees whose jobs are eliminated. The employer is offering wage rates significantly below industry standards, Domeij added.

For more information, contact:
Dan MacLennan, President, AUPE, 780-930-3301 or 780-232-8392 (cellular phone)
Lynne Gingras, Vice-President, AUPE, 780-930-3372 or 780-504-7933 (cellular phone)
Ray Domeij, Union Representative, AUPE (Calgary Regional Office), 403-531-8613 or 403-461-1815 (cellular phone)
David Climenhaga, Communications Director, AUPE, 780-930-3311 or 780-717-2943 (cellular phone)