By Natalie Sit
Union members with the University of Toronto Press Inc., could strike if they do not reach an agreement, thus shutting bookstores down to students.
"The last thing we want is a shutdown just when students need the bookstores most," said CUPE Local 3261 President Mehdi Kouhestaninejad. "But our wages have not kept pace with inflation over the past ten years, and we need a fair settlement to avoid a strike."
Business will apparently increase due to the double cohort graduating from Ontario high schools.
The Canadian Federation of Students sent a letter of support for CUPE to George Meadows, President of the U of T Press.
"We’re calling on administration of University of Toronto Press and the university to negotiate a fair settlement," said CFS Ontario Chairperson Joel Duff. "Bookstore workers have received a six per cent increase over the past 10 years. This is well below inflation. If you compare pressworkers against industry standards, U of T bookstore [workers] are the worst paid."
The University of Toronto Press Inc., was unavailable for comment. Workers could begin striking Fri., Aug. 8 at 12:01 a.m.