2005 Negotiations & 2006 Strike

Note: Many links to documents are broken throughout the content this page. If you need to access to specific document, please contact the FA Office at [email protected].

Wednesday April 5, 2006, 6:15 pm

Results of Ratification Vote

The membership of the UPEIFA ratified the tentative agreement with 98% voting in favour! The Board of Governors has also ratified the agreement.

Return To Class

Members are to return to work tomorrow to teach classes normally offered on Thursday. A revised teaching and final exam schedule must still be approved by the University Senate on Thursday afternoon. You can access this proposed schedule by clicking here.

Student Opinion of Teaching Surveys

Student Opinion of Teaching Surveys will not be conducted this semester.

Tentative Agreement Reached!

Dear Colleagues,

I am very pleased to announce that as of 2:00 am, Wednesday, April 5, the Faculty Association and the University Administration reached a tentative agreement for its second Collective Agreement. No further comment will be made until ratification of the deal has taken place by both parties.

A full Bargaining Unit # 1 membership meeting will be held today, Wednesday, at 2:00 pm (location to be announced) at which the Executive Committee will recommend to the membership that the Agreement be ratified.

Please note that picketing will resume as normal today, Wednesday, at 7:30 am and will continue until ratification has occurred. Classes will resume shortly thereafter. More information will be released soon on this.

I encourage you to join the picket lines throughout the morning to demonstrate your continued support!

This has been a very long and difficult process. I thank you for the tremendous support and resolve that each of you has demonstrated for your Negotiating Team. It has been the single most influential factor in reaching this deal.

Sincerely,

Wayne

Tuesday April 4, 2006, 10:00 pm

Still Hungry for News?

Well, they’re still at it. Negotiations are ongoing and when we know more, we will let you know.

Student Support

A Student Solidarity March in Support of the Faculty Association will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, April 5th, at the Wanda Wyat Dining Hall lobby. The time for the march will be posted when that information arrives.

Donation update

With contributions just arriving from Memorial University and the Canadian Media Guild (PEI Local), donations in support of the UPEIFA’s efforts to negotiate a fair and just collective agreement have topped $40,000. Thank-you for your incredible support!

Hungry for news?

The meal team does a great job feeding the inner striker, but we’re all still hungry for news. At this point all we can say is that virtually non-stop mediated talks have been ongoing since Sunday at 4:30 pm and are still underway. We’ll update you as soon as we know more: we are very aware of how important this is.

Take Back Our University Rally Update

Those joining the march at the Sobey’s at Allen and University should meet there by 11:15 a.m. at the latest.

Monday April 3, 2006, 4:45 pm

Take Back Our University Rally

The UPEIFA will be holding a rally at noon on Tuesday April 4 on University Ave. in front of the Kelley Building. The theme of the rally is “Take Back Our University” and we will be focusing on our desire to get back into the classroom with a fair deal and obtain the respect and proper treatment that we deserve. More

Food drive results in

Today’s food drive contributed 257 items to the UPEI Student Food Bank. Thanks to all who brought food. If you didn’t but still wish to participate, please drop non-perishable contributions at the UPEIFA strike HQ.

Mediation talks continue this afternoon

More news as soon as it’s available.

Sunday April 2, 2006, 5:00 pm

Province appoints non-binding mediator to move negotiations forward

The Province confirmed today that it is appointing a third-party mediator to assist in moving negotiations forward between the University Administration and the Faculty Association. Mediation talks will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. More

Need evidence of solidarity?

According to recent stats, “81% of the membership have been on active picket duty, or working on support each day (up by 0.9% from last week). Of the 19% who are not helping, the vast majority have expressed support, but are sessionals working full-time in other jobs, on maternity leave, on medical leave, or out of the province on sabbatical. Despite some of the news coverage, there has been no “leakage” of people crossing the lines. Of course you knew this from your own observations.” Thanks Gord and Andy for putting this together for us.

Week 3 Picketing Schedule

Note that there has been a small but profound change to the Week 3 picketing schedule. Click on the link and refresh your browser to make sure you have the most current version.

Student Food Drive at UPEI

Faculty Association Members and friends and colleagues are asked to bring non-perishable food or grocery items to the Picket Lines on Monday. These will be given to the UPEI Student Food Bank.

Salary Reality at UPEI

Recent comments and reporting in the media regarding the salaries of UPEI faculty members have unfortunately led to an unfair representation of the truth… Read More [PDF]

Talks to resume on Sunday afternoon

In response to the Faculty Association’s request on Saturday to the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, the Minister responsible for the Labour Act, a non-binding mediator has been appointed. He will meet with both sides beginning at 4:30 p.m. today.

Saturday April 1, 2006, 11:30 pm

Administration walks away as UPEIFA and Government try to advance negotiations

Please read the linked pdf file for details.

Friday March 31, 2006, 5:00 pm

Back to the table

Word has just come in that the negotiation teams will resume talks at 8:00 pm this evening.

IBEW 1432 Donates to Strike Fund

The campus local of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers took up a cash collection to contribute to the UPEIFA strike fund. The expression of support is hugely appreciated: Thank-you!

FA Responds to Provincial Budget

“We are pleased any time the Province commits funding to post-secondary education”, said Faculty Association President Wayne Peters. Of course, how the money is spent is an entirely different situation… Read press release

Negotiations Update

The negotiating teams met for an hour this morning at which time the Administration team presented a new offer. The UPEIFA team is in the process of reviewing the offer. Further news will follow as it becomes available.

Thursday March 30, 2006, 9:00 pm

Back by Popular Demand!

The Knot would appreciate the presence of all UPEI FA members at the BIS, this Friday, March 31 at 5:30 pm. More

Student Appreciation Day

The Faculty Association would like to express our appreciation to students. We therefore extend an invitation to the student body to participate in a student appreciation day, this Friday, March 31. Please come down to the line, walk with us, and have some food.

Confidential from HQ…

Don’t say anything, but the negotiating team was seen leaving the office for a 6 o’clock meeting at the table called at the request of the employer. Many thanks to all members for making this possible! More news as it becomes available.

Where do sessionals fit in?

Sessional instructors are integral to high-quality teaching and learning at UPEI. They have also been highly visible on the picket lines and in other job action work during the strike. So what have the UPEIFA and negotiations… More

UPEIFA Membership Responds to “Final Offer”

At an emergency meeting last night the UPEIFA membership responded with a resounding “No!” to the Board of Governors’ “final offer” and an overwhelming “Yes!” to support the UPEIFA Executive and Negotiating Team. Read the full press release.

Wednesday March 29, 2006, 7:00 pm

Picket Duty Update

In light of the negotiation situation, please note that picket lines will resume as usual tomorrow but that we also ask you to attend the rally scheduled for 12 noon as previously. Picketers on the 11:30 – 1:30 schedule are asked to attend the rally as well. So, the bottom line: do your picket line tomorrow and attend the rally at noon time. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

Emergency Meeting

Emergency Membership Meeting tonight (Wednesday), 8:00PM Memorial Hall, Confederation Centre. WE URGE YOU TO ATTEND TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE ADMINISTRATION’S “FINAL OFFER.”
The two negotiating teams met this afternoon. The University Administration presented a final offer 30 minutes into the meeting. The UPEIFA is very disappointed at this offer. It has been rejected by the Negotiating Team and by the Executive Committee of the Association. An Emergency meeting of the Membership will be held this evening and the Faculty Association will be issuing a Press Release following that meeting.

Rally Details!

The rally will take place tomorrow, Thursday, March 30th, at 12:00 Noon at the Confederation Centre in the area facing Grafton Street. We will be joined by members of other unions from across PEI.

Restricted Information to be circulated to picketers

Restricted information for “UPEIFA members only” is being distributed to picketers today. Copies can also be picked up at Strike Headquarters.

Rally Tomorrow!

Plan to attend. Check back for particulars.

Tuesday March 28, 2006, 1:30 pm

Is it really cheaper to live here? (Part 2)

Strike pay benefits, in accordance with the Strike Action Policy, will be increased to $75 per day, effective March 25. This change will be reflected on the Strike Pay cheques issued on Friday, March 31.

Is it really cheaper to live here?

Much has been made of PEI’s low cost of living and, by implication, how wages needn’t be compared to elsewhere in Canada. But is this really the case? Read more…

Student info updated

Student information has been updated with answers to questions about submission of partial marks and the impact of a settlement on tuition. More

Canada Research Chairs Speak Out

Four UPEI Canada research chairs have issued a joint statement on the necessity that working conditions reflect respect… More

Passing time

While waiting for news from renewed negotiations, why not check out the raft of pictures contributed yesterday? Or note the rising number of hits on the newly installed counter at the left of the home page (over 5,000 since yesterday afternoon)?

Monday March 27, 2006, 4:00 pm

Student FAQs updated

Please check for answers to the most recent student questions. More

When the middle is the bottom

“No weasel words!” This follow-up to last week’s posting about the “middle of the pack” illustrates just how much further from parity the administration’s current offer would place us. More

Can we afford not to?

“Most of us know good colleagues who have departed in the prime of their careers for greener pastures in the past few years. There are examples right across UPEI’s campus.” Recalling a point raised in Dan Ryan’s resignation letter to the Board of Governors, Jim Sentance elaborates on the importance of parity to the future of UPEI. More

Back to the Table!

The UPEI Faculty Association and the University Administration agreed this evening to return to the negotiating table… More

Sunday March 26, 2006, 2:00 pm

On Sabbatical?

Among the most unfairly affected by the strike are our colleagues on sabbatical, from whom the administration has seen fit to withdraw salary and benefits despite the sabbaticals being earned through past service. The UPEIFA is therefore offering strike pay to support…

Current support total

We keep hearing that we’re not in this alone. The arrival of the CAUT “Flying Pickets” showed us we aren’t. Further indications are the donations from faculty associations across the country. More

Saturday March 25, 2006, 7:00 am

New Pics Online

Picketing… pictures… what’s the difference? Well, picketing is colder but pictures aren’t as much fun. Check it out here!

Friday,  March 24, 2006, 5:30 pm

Week 2 Schedule now available

If you’d like to know where you’ll be picketing and when next week, check it out.

Where is the “middle-of-the-pack?”

Since he-who-shall-not-be-named seems to have had a difficult time figuring out what parity means, we thought it might be worth trying to help him out… More

UPEIFA Agrees!

“We expect President MacLauchlan to exercise a leadership role on behalf of the Board of Governors and to instruct his negotiating team to get back to the table.” More

Message from the Negotiating Team

“Your continued support on the line is what we need to force Wade MacLauchlan, or if it isn’t him, whoever is really running UPEI, to tell the Employer team to get back to the table and seriously address our demands for salary and workload parity.” More

Other Faculty Unions Rally support for UPEIFA

Faculty Unions from across the country will join UPEIFA members in a national day of solidarity today. Plan to attend the rally at the Belvedere Ave. entrance of UPEI at 3:30. Read More

You’d wish they could make up their minds

“At our last meeting on Tuesday, the Administration indicated that it would be responding to our benefits proposal. Now they are indicating that they have nothing for us.” Read the summary of the UPEIFA’s efforts to negotiate a settlement in the most recent press release.

Thursday,  March 23, 2006, 11:00 pm

What’s the administration’s latest offer?

Doug Dahn, our Chief Negotiator, received the following message Thursday from Peggy Leahey, Chief Negotiator for the Administration: Hi Doug, I received your telephone message. The Administration does not have anything new to present. We remain available to meet if the Association has any new proposals.

Celebrate solidarity and success

Wind down after four days on the pickets… More

Premier’s back-to-work suggestion

Today, Premier Binns would not rule out back-to-work legislation to end the legal strike being carried out by the UPEI Faculty Association in its fight for parity. The Association President, Wayne Peters, indicated that…
More

Keep Track of What’s New

To help you keep track of what the media is saying about the UPEIFA’s efforts to negotiate a fair and just settlement, we’ve created a new section, MediaWatch. Check it out!

New Expressions of Support

A student speaks: “I know that you will continue to fight for the group of people I admire most at UPEI -– the faculty. I, too, will be proud to picket for parity.” Support for the UPEIFA is diverse and growing. See more

Wednesday, March 22, 2006, 5:00 pm

The Latest from the Negotiating Team

“Let me begin by expressing the Negotiating Team’s appreciation and wonder at the show of strength…” Read the March 22 update.

New Expressions of Support

“The faculty have my complete support, and I will gladly picket with you! Thank you for everything.” More

UPEIFA Solid on Picket Lines

The first day of picketing for the UPEI Faculty Association membership was successful, with pickets set up at both the University entrances. “The implication of the support shown today on the picket line far exceeds that shown by our strike vote last week.” More

Ah, Serenity!

Is the serenity of PEI and the joy of imparting wisdom to increasingly large numbers of students sufficient recompense for sub-par salaries and greater-than-par workloads? Retired UPEI professor Dr. Mujeeb Rahman argued in a “Special to the Guardian” on March 20 that it is. Dr. Benet Davetian argues that it is not. More

Doin’ the lines

“Where were you during the UPEIFA strike, Mommy and Daddy?” You might be able to answer that question by checking out the new website feature, Doin’ the lines.

Tuesday,  March 21, 2006, 10:30 pm

UPEIFA Member Resigns from Board of Governors

Dr. Dan Ryan resigns his position on the UPEI Board of Governors, arguing that current offers to the UPEIFA undermine UPEI’s future potential. Read Dr. Ryan’s explanation here.

Recent media links

CBC and The Guardian have recent stories on the strike action in which we’re engaged. Check back regularly for more breaking news.

We are not alone!

“Dear colleagues at UPEI, Dear friends, Today, you are taking a major step in affirming your rights as union members…”
So begins a letter of support from the President of the CAUT Defence Fund, Jean-Charles Cachon. His is not the only expression of support for our efforts to obtain a fair and just settlement. You can read the rest of his letter here, and additional expressions of support here.

No Last-Minute Settlement to Avoid Strike

After approximately seven hours of negotiation on Monday it was evident that no further discussion on Monday night would lead to a settlement to avoid a Tuesday strike…
More

Monday,  March 20, 2006, 7:30 pm

Campus Access Clarification

Wondering what to do if you need to access University facilities during a strike? Emergency research access, temporary access, alternative picket line duty–it’s all laid out here…
More

Sunday,  March 19, 2006, 11:00 pm

New “Surviving a Strike” page.

All you need to know is here. If it doesn’t answer all of your questions, let us know. More

No movement over week-end to avoid strike.

Since the Faculty Association set its Tuesday morning strike deadline, talks continued between the parties over the week-end on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Faculty Association President Wayne Peters stressed, however, “While talks occurred, they were definitely at the insistence of the Faculty Association. Had we not initiated talks over this past week-end, it appears that none would have occurred.” More

Faculty Association Supported by 20 Million Dollar Fund.

The University of Prince Edward Island Faculty Association (UPEIFA) will unveil a giant “one million dollar cheque” from the CAUT Defence Fund on Tuesday, March 21 at the… More

Message for those on sabbatical leave.

Although the Association’s policy is to consider members on sabbatical leave to not be on strike, the Administration has unfortunately chosen to deny these members their normal sabbatical salary and benefits. In accordance with the Association’s Strike Action Policy, then, strike benefits will be extended to such individuals. All individuals affected by this are asked to contact the Association ASAP!

Saturday,  March 18, 2006, 8:00 pm

Update re: negotiations schedule.

The negotiating teams met on Friday for 2 hours. While the Administration is indicating that it is available for 24/7 discussions, it appeared to have no interest…More

Administration’s Service Intent Forms.

You are now likely aware that the Administration is soliciting your support by inviting you to declare your intentions to provide your service to the University during any potential strike. All you have to do is…More

Requests to submit grades.

It has come to the attention of the Faculty Association that faculty members are being encouraged to provide the Administration with course grades… More

Admin’s “policies and procedures” memo to members.

You should read this memo carefully. In addition to being on the Admin’s website, it was mailed in hardcopy to members. I would draw your attention to Items 5, 6, 8 and 10. More

Guardian letter-to-editor from alumnus.

“UPEI commits itself to offering a student-centred experience, and it is the faculty which makes this promise a reality.”  More

Letters and emails of support posted!

More

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Association Executive calls strike for Tuesday, March 21!

The Executive Committee of the UPEI Faculty Association met this afternoon to review the progress of negotiations to this point. Currently, twenty articles remain outstanding at the table, including all salary, benefits and workload issues. Consequently, the Executive concluded that the Administration had brought nothing substantial to the table that would avert a strike. So, we made a decision to hit the pavement on Tuesday, March 21. More

Memo to colleagues concerning possible picket duty!

An email was recently issued to members from the Job Action Committee requesting feedback regarding picket duty in the event of a strike or lock-out. Please read this important information and respond accordingly. Each of us has a duty to contribute to this effort. More

UPEI academic salaries for 1972-2004!

This graph was provided by CAUT and shows the history of academic salaries at UPEI as a % of total expenditures for the period 1972-2004. More

Articles carried on CBC’s website yesterday!

More and More

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Negotiations Update!

The Association’s negotiating team has indicated to the Administration that the Association’s team is available for negotiations 24/7 to get a deal done in a timely manner so that a strike might be avoided. The Association team has encouraged the Administration’s team to commit to more time at the bargaining table in order to reach an agreement. At this point, sessions are scheduled for this afternoon at 3:00 pm and on Thursday morning at 9:00 am.

Buttons! We have buttons. Get your “parity” buttons!

More “parity” buttons are now available from the Association Office. Please contact Susan if you are looking for some, or if you know someone who would like one to wear.

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Membership overwhelmingly supports strike!

The UPEI Faculty Association membership demonstrated an overwhelming show of support for a strike in its recent vote. “The turn-out for the vote was very strong”, says the Association President, Wayne Peters. 280 members turned out to vote and authorized the Association to take strike action in support of its collective bargaining efforts by a count of 84% in favour. More

Monday, March 13, 2006

Harry Crowe Foundation monitors situation!

The “code of conduct”, which the Employer seeks to implement in our collective agreement, has received some national attention. TheHarry Crowe Foundationhas indicated that it will be monitoring the situation. More

A Message from the Association President!

“Our defining moment.” More

Response to President MacLauchlan’s recent Newsletter!

To date, the Association has not been in the habit of responding to President MacLauchlan’s Newsletters to the campus community. However, a number of points raised in his recent Newsletter merits a response. More

Commentary regarding UPEI class size!

“UPEI Administration has its head planted firmly in the sand on class-size issue.” More

Memorandum of Agreement on Proper Care of Animals!

This agreement has been finalized by the Association and the Employer. More

Letter to the Editor published!

“Islanders must stand behind the profs.” More

Letters and emails of support posted!

More

Congratulations to our UNB colleagues!

Congratulations to our UNB colleagues who recently settled a four-year agreement with the UNB Administration, effective July 1, 2005 – June 30, 2009. Salary settlements for each of these four years range from 3.50% to 4.25%. You can access their agreement here.

Friday, March 10, 2006

Negotiations At-a-Glance Bulletin # 8 is here!

The Salary Gap and Leadership and Tuition at UPEI: Setting the Record Straight Have a look at the next in our installment of bulletins for this week. More

Update from the Bargaining Table!

After 4 hours at the table on Thursday, March 9, it can be reported that the Employer has made no substantial movement. The assessment of the cost of the Employer’s proposals as detailed in Negotiations At-a-Glance Bulletin # 7 still applies. At best, the Employer might have increased the total cost for its new “without prejudice” offer to just shy of

1.0 % of the total salary and benefits budget, up from the 0.83% reported in Bulletin # 7. This amounts to about $250k.

Message for Sessional Instructors Posted!

More

Thursday, March 9, 2006

Negotiations At-a-Glance Bulletin # 7 is here!

De-bunking the $10 million! and 80% by 20%, eh?. Have a look at the next in our installment of bulletins for this week. More

Membership meeting!

Monday, March 13, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm, Duffy Amphitheatre, Agenda

Strike vote schedule

The ballot box for the strike vote will be made available all day on Tuesday, March 14 in the Faculty Association Office (Main Room 214) from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm. It will be a secret ballot. Be prepared to show your ID.

From the Cadre…

“I think its really important that it is a settlement that shows that we value the contributions of faculty members and that it will be a settlement that is fair and competitive.” Wade MacLauchlan, Cadre, March 8, 2006.

Wednesday, March 8, 2006

Negotiations At-a-Glance Bulletin # 6 is here!

The Gumby Principle! Interesting. Have a look at the next in our installment of bulletins for this week. There’s even a little contest for you. Flex your minds and be creative.

More

Strike benefits approved by CAUT Defence Fund!

The CAUT Defence Fund yesterday approved strike benefits for the membership of the UPEIFA should it be necessary to call a strike. Larry Hale, our Fund Trustee reported at a membership meeting last night that this includes funds for strike pay and insured benefits, a $1,000,000 line of credit and “flying picket” support. Visit the Defence Fund’s website for more information.

More

Strike Headquarters acquired!

The Association has acquired a strike headquarters from which it would operate in the event of a strike. It is located at 559 North River Road in the Bennett Carr Insurance Building.

Tuesday, March 7, 2006

Negotiations At-a-Glance Bulletin # 5 is here!

Have a look at the next in our installment of bulletins for this week: Why this? Why now?

More

Free speech, but not for professors?

Check out the letter-to-the-editor recently published in the Guardian. Note specifically its reference to the “code of conduct” which the Employer is proposing to become part of our collective agreement. Yes, in fact, it would obligate faculty members to“act in a manner that will contribute positively to the overall vision, mission and reputation”of UPEI.

More

Monday, March 6, 2006

Negotiations At-a-Glance Bulletin # 4 is here!

Check it out for a glimpse of University finances (“poverty” or “priorities”?) Also, do our current group benefits really give us total “parity”? More

BU # 1 Membership Information Meeting

Tuesday, March 7, 2006, 4:30-5:30, Duffy Amphitheatre.

Frequently Asked Questions updated!

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page has been updated with strike-specific information. Keep your questions coming and we will update as necessary. More

Memorandum of Agreement on Proper Care of Animals

As per Article H6.4c) of the Collective Agreement, a Memorandum of Agreement on the proper care of animals in the event of a strike or lock-out is being worked out by the Employer/Union Joint Committee. This document is in the final stages of approval. A draft of it can be seen here. A final approved draft should be available soon. More

By the NUMBERS!

Numbers can put it all in perspective. Have a look at our By the NUMBERS!

Saturday, March 4, 2006

Additional letters of support posted.

Some additional letters of support have been posted on the “Express Your Support” page including a new letter from a student.

Wednesday, March 1, 2006

Strike Vote called!

At a meeting last night, February 28, the membership of UPEIFA Bargaining Unit # 1 (representing faculty, librarians, sessional instructors and clinical nursing instructors) unanimously supported a call for a strike vote to be held in two weeks. Accordingly, the Executive Committee is announcing today that a strike vote will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2006. Relevant information will be made available to Members shortly. Check this website often. A follow-up membership information meeting is scheduled.

BU # 1 Membership Information Meeting.

Tuesday, March 7, 2006, 4:30-5:30, Duffy Amphitheatre

Job Action Committee announced.

The UPEIFA Job Action Committee was recently announced. This Committee is responsible for the overall planning, coordination and execution of all job action activities, including strike action, that may be necessary to support the Negotiating Team in achieving an acceptable agreement. The Committee is being chaired by Sheldon Opps (Physics). Other Committee members include Larry Hale (Biology), Sharon Myers (History), Chris Riley (Health Management), Gordon Ripley (Robertson Library) and Jennifer Taylor (Family and Nutritional Sciences). Visit the Job Action Committee page for more info.

Strike Action Policy approved.

The UPEIFA Executive Committee recently approved its Strike Action Policy which establishes how a strike would be carried out at UPEI.

Some insight into our roles at UPEI…

Read an account from Ann Braithwaite and Lori Weeks on the Links and Resources page. So, what is it we do.. and why do we love it so much anyway?

Additional letters of support posted.

Some additional letters of support have been posted on the”Express Your Support”page including a link to student Ryan Woolfrey’s weblog. Have a look and consider writing one of your own.

More

Monday, February 27, 2006

REMINDER! Bargaining Unit # 1 Membership Meeting

Tuesday, February 28, 2006, 4:30-5:30pm, Duffy Amphitheatre

Please plan to attend and wear your PARITY button!

Agenda

Additional letters of support have been posted on the “Express Your Support” page. Have a look and consider writing one of your own.

More

Friday, February 24, 2006

Update on conciliation.

In accordance with the PEI Labour Act, the appointed conciliation officer convened a conciliation session with the parties today, February 24, 2006. This “Statement of the Status of Negotiations” summarizes the position presented to the conciliation officer by the Association. During the conciliation session, the Employer did not respond with any concessions which the Association felt would be necessary to indicate a commitment to moving things forward, nor did the Employer give any indication that any such concessions

would be forthcoming. It remains the position of the Employer that its current proposal is its December 23, 2005 proposal and that it expects the Association to be making concessions at this time. Since no movement was obvious by the end of the day, the

Association requested that the conciliation officer file a “no-board” report with the Minister.More information will be confirmed at the BU # 1 Membership Meeting on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 from 4:30-5:30pm in the Duffy Amphitheatre.Please plan to attend!

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Bargaining Unit # 1 Membership Meeting

Tuesday, February 28, 2006, 4:30-5:30pm, Duffy Amphitheatre

Please plan to attend!

Conciliation date set.

The Association Executive is able to confirm today that conciliation in the matter

of collective bargaining between the UPEIFA and the Employer will take place on

Friday, February 24, 2006.

FAQs updated.

Have a look at the updates provided to some of the FAQs.

More

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

“… a concept for a framework for a proposal…”

After almost 10 months and over 40 meetings, we should be well beyond the conceptualization stage. Check outNegotiations At-a-Glance Bulletin # 3.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Frequently Asked Questions posted.

A number of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been posted to provide information about negotiations and the negotiations process.

Tuesday, February 7, 2006

Letters of support posted.

A number of letters and emails of support have been posted on our Express your Support page. Have a look. More…

Monday, January 30, 2006

UPEIFA launches its “PARITY” Button Campaign!

Support the UPEIFA Button Campaign! Wear this button.

Have you seen this button popping up around campus? Are you wondering what it stands for?

The UPEI Faculty Association is currently negotiating its second collective agreement with the university administration. Academic staff at UPEI have been without a contract since July 1, 2005.

This “PARITY” button signifies that:

  • our work at UPEI is as valuable as that done by colleagues at other Atlantic Canadian universities
  • UPEIFA members expect fair remuneration for their work
  • UPEIFA members expect a fair workload
  • maintaining excellent programs requires an investment in quality working conditions for UPEIFA members

In other words, we deserve an equitable agreement that brings us parity with academic staff at other Atlantic Canadian universities!

To get yours, contact the Faculty Association Office (0438), or speak to your UPEIFA Communication Representative.

Friday, January 27, 2006

One Prof’s Frustration!

Read an email of support from a member which so eloquently expresses our frustrations.

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Membership impatient. Solid support to move to conciliation!

At a BU # 1  membership meeting on Wednesday, January 18, the UPEIFA membership expressed its impatience with the progress of negotiations and unanimously passed a motion supporting an application for conciliation should the Association Executive deem it necessary.

Monday, January 16, 2006

Download

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Special BU # 1 Membership Meeting

Wednesday, January 18, 4:30 – 5:30 pm,Duffy Amphitheatre

Topic: Status of Negotiations

Download the Meeting Notice(PDF) and Agenda(PDF).

Monday, November 28, 2005