While the AUFA bargaining team continues to seek a negotiated agreement,
AUFA’s job action committees continue to prepare against the possibility of a strike. A credible strike threat is important because it shows AU that failing to negotiate an agreement will entail financial and reputational costs.
The Materials Committee is now turning its attention to the manufacture of signs for use by members during flying (ie. in-person) picketing events. We are starting preparations in Edmonton because this location has the largest concentration of AUFA members.
Arrangements for sign creation in Calgary and Athabasca is in development along different lines, in conjunction with the picketing committees at those locations.
Starting early next week, AUFA volunteers will begin delivering blank signs to members in the Edmonton region who want them. Members would then create their own signs using whatever materials they have available (AUFA will not be supplying markers or paint).
You can make more than one sign. And you can dragoon family members into helping!
Once created, the Materials Committee would be thrilled to share pictures of your sign(s) on social media. If a strike takes place, members would then bring their sign(s) to the picket line, where we’d attach them to sticks.
Some things to think about when making your sign:
You can use the blank sign in either the portrait (tall) or landscape (wide) orientation.
Each sign should contain no more than 3 to 5 words.
Each sign should contain a clear and tasteful message (e.g., “On Strike”) or demand (e.g.,“Fair Deal!”, “Equity!”, “No cuts!”).
Letters should be at least 4” tall and reasonably thick to be legible at a distance. If you can’t read your sign from 30 feet away, neither can passersby.
High-contrast text is important for visibility (e.g., using dark colours or outlining letters in black).
If you would like sign blanks delivered, please fill out the following form:
Eric Strikwerda
Materials Committee Chair