More than 150 workers at the Canadian Museum of Nature could be on strike in less than one month.
The majority of employees voted in favour last week, with 78% supporting the strike mandate.
Key issues include job security, scheduling, and external contracting.
A conciliation session is scheduled for Tuesday, “and we are hopeful that with this overwhelming strike vote, the museum will get the message that our members are serious about service to the public and not prepared to accept concessions,” president of Public Service Alliance of Canada Local 70395 Max Joly said in a statement.
Museum staff work at the main building on McLeod St. and administrative offices in Gatineau.
On March 12, workers will be in legal strike position.
The union charges management is pushing for a contract that “diminishes service to the public,” leaving the door open to layoffs of permanent workers and increased contracting out.
“This attempt by management to weaken the collective agreement and allow for increased privatization of museum work is part of a broader effort aimed at cutting public sector workers,” said PSAC regional executive vice-president Larry Rousseau.
In 1916, the museum was the emergency headquarters for the federal government after fire broke out at the Parliament Buildings.
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http://www.ottawasun.com/2012/02/20/nature-museum-workers-vote-to-strike
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