AUFA members in a solidarity picket with nurses

University of Manitoba Strike Ends

Significant news continues in the faculty association sector. The University of Manitoba Faculty Association has won their strike, and ratified a deal with University of Manitoba. This victory pushes the university to binding arbitration, where although outcomes are not certain, they will likely result in better wage increases than the employer was mandated to offer. This comes at the end of a 35 day winter strike, which is an extraordinary task for any union.

Concordia University of Edmonton Passes Strike Vote

Concordia University of Edmonton Faculty Association (CUEFA) has passed a 95% in favour strike vote, with CUE’s administration responding by gaining rights to lockout. This means that while CUEFA have a strike mandate, the CUE administration may choose to define the timing and duration of the strike. CUEFA are considering striking over workload, as the CUE administration’s desire to become a research institution has meant dramatically increasing research requirements from faculty without appropriately changing course load.

AUFA stands in solidarity with CUE and should the strike vote materialize into work stoppage it will be the first Faculty Association strike in Alberta history. We have sent an offer of support and solidarity to CUEFA and stand with them in their struggle for a fair contract.

You can read more about the strike here, which includes an interview with AUFA’s Bob Barnetson.

Solidarity,

David Powell

President