Rally Report

“This is what solidarity looks like.”


It was an extraordinary sight. Shortly after 11 a.m. yesterday, hundreds and hundreds of CUPE members filed out of their offices and buildings at the university and created a procession that extended through “the bowl” and down College Drive to the bridge.

As one CUPE 1975 member enthusiastically told onlookers, “This is what solidarity looks like!”

“I’ve never seen such a huge mass of people on this campus,” Heather Wagg, the president of the CUPE sessional lecturers’ local told the cheering CUPE 1975 members and their supporters during a rally near the President’s house. “It’s a sight I’ll never forget.”

The two-hour walkout by 1,800 CUPE 1975 members at the U of S and another 600 CUPE 1975 members at the University of Regina was organized to send a strong message to the employer to get back to the bargaining table with a fair contract offer.

“By your actions today, you have shown this employer that you mean business,” CUPE Saskatchewan President Tom Graham, told the crowd. “You deserve respect and you deserve a fair collective agreement,” he stated.

CUPE 1975 spokesperson Wayne Foley commended the membership for their support.

“We wanted to send a message to the employer today. I think we’ve accomplished that,” he told the crowd. “We hope the employers have enough sense to come back to the bargaining table and offer members a fair contract – one you so richly deserve.”

CUPE 1975 members at both universities returned to work at 1 p.m., but they haven’t put their picket signs away. If the employer refuses to improve its contract offer, more job action is expected.