Support workers at Western University rally for fairer pay amid looming strike action [Video]

With the threat of a return-to-school strike looming, support workers at Western University held a rally on Saturday.

Members of CUPE Local 2361 — representing 330 trades, custodial and landscaping staff — have voted 99 per cent in favour of a strike mandate.

A walkout could occur as early as Aug. 30.

“We’re not asking for the moon,” said a union vice-president to more than 100 supporters at the Richmond Street entrance of Western University.

“We’re just asking for a level of pay comparable to with those people doing the same jobs… at the Thames Valley District School Board or the London District Catholic School Board. That’s what we are looking for. We are asking to be made equal.”

Currently, the lowest-paid members are housekeepers earning $17.05 per hour, while the highest-paid are lead elevator mechanics at $40.68 per hour. Most workers earn between $20 and $30 per hour.

This is five to seven dollars per hour fewer than similar …