CEP reached a settlement with the employer on the morning of June 1, 2007 after bargaining all night. The building was re-opened Monday June 4. TFEU members can hold our heads high. We were strong individually and especially as a union throughout this long and difficult dispute. We have shown great determination, and we have learned a lot. However, it has also left us in a very difficult position, individually and as a union.
There are resources available to help TFEU members financially over the next period. There are grocery gift cards available - please see any member of the TFEU executive if you need one. There are still emergency loans available through our hardship fund. The employer will be offering interest-free advances on salary. The employer will reimburse TFEU members for bus passes purchased over the weekend. TFEU has filed a grievance asserting that the employer owes us two months pay in lieu of notice since they closed the building and essentially laid us off for more than five weeks without notice.
The TFEU executive and bargaining committee will be analyzing CEP's settlement and what it means for us.
