No settlement in Friday’s bargaining

Strike vote still set for Feb. 17

Management tabled a “revised position” on Friday, Jan. 30.

Their only change was to renew the Jan. 16 offer to withdraw the one-on-one workload bargaining demand but only if the union agreed to withdraw all workload proposals. There were no other changes to the management position.

The faculty bargaining team tabled a revised salary position:

September 1/03	3 %
April 1/04	1.5 %
September 1/04	3 %
April 1/05	1.5 %

In addition we proposed adding one step to the grid in September 04. We proposed no addition to the recognition allowance. Management did not respond to this renewed salary position.

The faculty bargaining team also changed its workload proposals. We withdrew a proposal to allow direct union local access to the Workload Resolution Arbitrator. Management did not reply.

The faculty bargaining team also amended its benefits proposal. We withdrew the proposals to increase coverage for paramedical services from $1,500 to $1,800 a year and we withdrew our position for 100 per cent drug cost reimbursement instead of 85 per cent. Management did not reply.

While the faculty bargaining team made efforts to advance negotiations, management made only one proposal: status quo on workload. Obviously, status quo is no improvement. This was not a real proposal at all and certainly not one that will lead to settlement of these negotiations. It is clear that at least a strike mandate will be necessary before they table an acceptable offer.

The union will continue to press for meaningful talks up to and after Feb. 17.

- The Faculty Bargaining Team