National capital region museum workers on strike

[Blue_Tires]

OTTAWA - Unionized workers at the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the Canadian War Museum went on strike Monday.

Talks between the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation - which operates the two Ottawa-area museums - and representatives of 420 members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada who work at the museums, broke down early Friday morning and did not resume over the weekend.

Patrice Remillard, a member of PSAC's bargaining committee, deemed the offer “unacceptable,” despite the corporation's claim that it had made concessions on many of the key sticking points.

Chantal Schryer, the CMCC's vice-president of public affairs, said the corporation had budged on hiring practices and “beefed up” job security.

She said the offer would have doubled the number of permanent and part-time guides, and that the most senior among temporary guide staff would be first in line when permanent positions became available.

The union said only six out of 55 guides are permanent employees.

http://www.vancouversun.com/travel/National+capital+region+museum+workers+strike/2015635/story.html