Despite the cool and foggy start, today was elation-charged and energy-filled: dancing – sort of a conga line – on the sidewalk, baked goods and cookies from students, and many loud horns from motorists passing.

It could have been the cheques from the strike fund, the extra sugar in the cookies and chocolate mini-eggs, or the gallons of coffee and hot chocolate to keep picketers warm. Richard L. mentioned that, when he walked the line, the number of vehicle owners who were beeping their horns was extraordinary. A cacophony.

All that noise in support of striking faculty at UPEI. Who knew? We did. Nobody likes working in far-less-than-ideal-conditions.

And we are all so grateful to the other, non-university unions who support us on the line and with donations.

It’s a huge pick-us-up when students join the line. They’re curious about the strike and its implications, and encouraging, and they bring food – Vet students are great at that – and cheerful.

The Nurses Union also joined the pickets – they haven’t had a contract in two years and, because of the election campaign, GPEI and Health PEI have put talks on hold. Their website states, “We are so understaffed, if even one nurse calls in sick, entire departments can shut down and people who need care don’t get it.”

Later in the afternoon, the PEI NU held a rally outside of Confed Centre, which members of the UPEI FA joined in solidarity.

So much of the public, and so many students and other unions standing in solidarity with our faculty association. We are overwhelmed by the support.

Solidarity.

Writer: Lee Ellen Pottie

Photographers: Margaret Augustine

                        Lisa Chilton

                        James Moran

                        Shannon Murray

                        Ariana Patey

                        Nia Phillips

                        Bill Whelan