MONTREAL - Students from McGill University will begin their school year with some disruptions as a result of a support staff strike beginning Thursday.
Last week, members of the union's executive received the mandate to call a general strike if the university did not respond to employees' requests before Wednesday night.
The union that represents some 1,700 support staff at McGill University was not contacted by its employer as of Wednesday night.
It opted to walk out.
Workers in student affairs, registrations, science labs and residences promise to walk picket lines as of Thursday and until it receives a "serious" offer, said Patrick Leblanc, spokesperson for the Public Service Alliance of Canada.
The union is unhappy with the current offer from its employer regarding benefits and wages. It says workers should reach a higher pay grade after 35 years of service.
The strike tactic could have an impact on students attending the university, said Leblanc.
"Unfortunately, members must be disruptive if they want to be heard," he said.
The union spokesperson expects the conflict to last several days or weeks, but will remain available to return to the negotiating table.
Contract negotiations began last December.
