Sault Ste. Marie – Faculty at Algoma University, represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) have filed a “no board” after conciliation failed to produce a fair collective agreement. The “no board” starts a 17-day countdown to possible job action, which could begin as early as Tuesday, March 27.
The employer removed an initial demand for an increased workload, but has so far refused to negotiate fair wages.
The OPSEU bargaining team chair, Pelham Matthews, said he was disturbed that the employer offered Algoma University faculty lower compensation than every other university in Ontario. “We have to wonder whether Algoma University feels workers in the North deserve less pay. This offer is simply disrespectful.”
Matthews said the issue is clear: “There is still time for the employer to turn this around. We are willing to do what it takes to ensure Algoma University negotiates a fair agreement.”
OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas said the Algoma faculty deserve a lot more respect from the employer.
“The faculty at Algoma University should be paid on par with faculty at other universities. It’s time for this employer to recognize the fantastic work faculty members do day in and day out. I want to assure the faculty members that they have OPSEU’s 155,000 members behind them.”
OPSEU Local 685 represents 60 full-time faculty at Algoma University.
For more information:
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President: 613-329-1931
Pelham Matthews, OPSEU Bargaining Team Chair, 1-705-254-9178