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Thousands of alumni and students planning on attending Western University’s homecoming this weekend could be in for some unexpected headaches.
The annual celebration this year comes amid a strike by members of CUPE Local 2361, whose 330 workers have been on the picket lines since Aug. 30.
Tensions have flared during the labour dispute that has snarled traffic around campus and seen police called to the picket lines multiple times, including once after a vehicle struck a striking worker and another time when a picket was arrested for a noise complaint.
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The three-day homecoming celebration, kicking off Friday night and wrapping up Sunday, brings thousands of alumni and students to campus for a Western Mustangs football game on Saturday afternoon, an alumni awards ceremony, networking events, a concert and other activities.
“We plan to be out here just like any normal day that we’ve been picketing,” said Chris Yates, vice-president of CUPE Local 2361 that represents caretakers, landscaping staff and trades workers. “We’re not here to ruin homecoming for anyone. That’s not what we want to do at all, but we need the alumni who are coming back for homecoming. They have a very strong, powerful voice.”
Union members will have extra fliers on hand during the weekend to provide to anyone entering campus.
“We need to get some correct information out there,” Yates said.
Western didn’t respond to a request for comment about how the strike could impact its 75th homecoming celebration.
But London police say they’re ready for homecoming and the rowdy celebration the weekend traditionally brings with it.
“As always, we want students to enjoy themselves, but do so responsibly,” spokesperson Const Matt Dawson said in an email. “We will be firm but fair in our efforts to enforce the applicable municipal, provincial and Criminal Code laws but our top priority is the safety of those in attendance and of the larger community.”
Last year, around 10,000 people packed streets around campus and near downtown on Saturday for the annual party that prompted police to call in reinforcements from three other southern Ontario forces. The parties were mostly peaceful during the day, but that changed after night fell and revellers uprooted trees, damaged street signs and pelted officers with projectiles, police said.
Thirty-one people were treated for injuries, one person was criminally charged and police and bylaw officers doled out hundreds of tickets.
The total cost to police for last September’s event and to promote public safety leading up to the weekend celebration was $311,100, up from $265,000 the previous year, according to a report presented to the city’s police board in March.
Dawson declined to say whether officers from outside police forces have been called in to help keep a lid on rowdy behaviour.
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Both city and Western officials urged everyone attending homecoming events and “unsanctioned street gatherings” to be responsible.
“This city would not be what it is without our students and graduates, and we’re proud to support you. As members of the London community, we all have a role in ensuring that our gatherings are safe and enjoyable for everyone,” Mayor Josh Morgan said in a news release. “Let’s come together to make this weekend memorable for all the right reasons. Please take care of yourself, each other and your community this weekend.”
Police, first responders and municipal bylaw enforcement officials “will be visible” on the weekend, the statement from the city and other agencies said. Students were warned they could be fined as much as $1,000 for hosting or attending a nuisance party.
Yates, meanwhile, urged Western to resume talks with the union.
“No one from the university has reached out to the negotiating committee at all about coming back to the table to negotiate a fair contact,” he said.
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