X, union talks break down
by Corey LeBlanc coreyleblanc@thecasket.ca


      Talks between St. F.X. University and its unionized support staff members have broken off.
      Representatives of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) Local 88 announced July 20 that the break down came earlier in the day.
      The sides met last Monday and Tuesday, along with the same days this week. These four days constituted the third set of negotiations between the university and the union.
      The 151 union members, which include clerical and administrative staff, technical employees, non-professional staffers in the university’s library and one custodian, formed their union last December.
      The workers are negotiating their first contract with the university.
      The union says numerous major issues remain outstanding including wages, job evaluations, job postings, and hours of work.
      The union says it will apply to the Nova Scotia Department of Labour for the appointment of a conciliation officer.