Security personnel at the University of Manitoba could be locked out by Friday if staff members don't accept a contract offer from the school.
CTV News has obtained an internal document in which the university said a lockout will be put into place for the school's 27 peace officers if a contract offer is voted down by staff.
"The university has tabled a fair and responsible offer and hopes the membership will accept the offer when it's put to a vote," said John Danakas, a spokesperson for the University of Manitoba.
University special constables wouldn't go on camera, but said the new deal puts both students and staff's safety at risk at the school, particularly a clause in the contract that would allow the university the right to reduce staffing levels.
The University of Manitoba Students Union said the school should take a different approach.
"What the university should be focusing on now is expanding security services rather than cutting, or a lockout, in general," said Heather Laube, president of UMSU.
Right now there are a minimum of two officers and a supervisor at the Fort Garry campus, with a population of 35,000 people at its Fort Garry campus, while the Bannatyne campus has two officers for about 1,000 people.
In June, a graduate student at the school was struck from behind while inside her office. Last fall, a student was stabbed five times outside of the School of Music. After each attack, the university vowed security would be increased.
Laube said that has not yet happened.
Security services have been in contract negotiations with the university for more than a year.
University officials wouldn't comment on what plans are in place for security if there is a lockout put into place on Friday.
"We are committed to the safety and security of the university community and will do anything necessary to ensure that safety and security," said Danakas.
Security staff members are expected to vote on the contract on Thursday.
The union representing security services at the U of M did not return calls from CTV News on Monday.
- with a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley
