'Lots of craziness': Street parties, closed roads, and labour dispute on tap for Western Homecoming
CTV
Thousands of Western University alumni are expected arrive in London in the coming days for this weekend’s 75th annual homecoming.
Thousands of Western University alumni are expected arrive in London in the coming days for this weekend’s 75th annual homecoming.
But with unsanctioned street parties, closed access points to the campus, and an ongoing labour dispute, it could be anything but business as usual.
“…trying to make it seem like things are status quo and continuing on as normal. But they’re not normal,” said CUPE Local 2361 Vice-President Chris Yates.
CUPE says homecoming will not change its plans to picket various entrances to the campus this weekend.
About 330 CUPE workers at Western have been on strike since Sept. 1.
Earlier this month, Western closed its main gates on Richmond Street, along with some on-campus roadways, and forced London Transit buses to detour around the campus.
“There’s going to be a whole pile of our members out here. We’re going to be making noise, and we’re going to be seen, and we’re going to be handing out information. We want people to be engaged with us,” said Yates.
