Member Input Wanted: Strike Tactics

AUFA’s Job Action Committee (JAC) exists to assist the bargaining team to negotiate a reasonable settlement by applying pressure on AU. This means using tactics (e.g., public embarrassment) to get the employer to move towards settlement during bargaining. And, if bargaining reaches impasse, JAC is tasked with planning and executing a strike.

Since AU has refused to even table a full offer at this point, JAC has begun detailed planning in the event that the AUFA membership authorizes a strike. A strike applies pressure on the employer in three main ways:

• Operationally: When AUFA members withdraw their labour, AU processes that rely upon AUFA members’ work will slow or stop.

• Financially: A strike (or its prospect) disincentivizes students to enrol in courses, thereby reducing institutional revenue.

• Reputationally: Strike-related communications (before or during a strike) can do long-term damage to AU’s reputation as a good place to work or go to school.

JAC is seeking member input about tactics AUFA members can employ to apply pressure to AU (either before or during a strike) to negotiate a fair settlement. We’re doing this to tap into the creativity of the membership as well as to get a sense of what members would be prepared to do beyond simply withdrawing their labour.

JAC does have a preliminary list of ways in which AUFA members can exert pressure on the employer. We have decided not to provide examples from this list so as to not influence AUFA members’ responses. JAC will report back to the membership with a summary of the suggestions we receive.

Please take a moment to fill out the form below with your suggestions. If you’d rather discuss this matter in person, you can contact Bob Barnetson (barnetso@athabascau.ca) to arrange a time to talk.

Bob Barnetson, Chair

AUFA Job Action Committee