The University has received two applications for certification, one on January 24 from the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) and one on February 15 from the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) which was withdrawn and a last application on February 20 from the OSSTF.
The application from PIPSC was to represent those who are involved in positions dealing with information technology. The University responded to the application by stating to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) that a group representing all regular support staff was a better description of a bargaining unit. A vote was held on February 2. However, since the composition of this group remains contested, the OLRB will make a decision after meetings in March.
Support staff also voted on February 27 on whether they wish to be represented by the OSSTF. At the time of going to press, the voting results were not available, as the OLRB decided to seal the votes, pending resolution of the issues regarding the various applications for certification. More details will follow.
