The University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA) has set a strike vote for September 8th and 9th, 2014. The vote is required to secure gains already made at the bargaining table and to provide momentum to secure a fair settlement. This is particularly important as the association enters conciliation with the employer.
UGFA negotiators have already achieved provisions that will protect job security and address workload issues. All of the outstanding issues are monetary. Like administrations elsewhere in Ontario, the employer is arguing that the university is in a difficult financial position. UGFA’s own analysis suggests that Guelph is in good financial shape, and that there is no reason a fair monetary settlement cannot be reached.
Guelph faces similar financial challenges as universities across Ontario. Administrators at many of these institutions have managed to reach satisfactory settlements with faculty, and there is no reason Guelph cannot do the same.
Unfortunately, the employer at Guelph has also resorted to the heavy-handed tactics seen elsewhere in Ontario, including inappropriate communication with UGFA members. These actions are distractions from the serious work of negotiating a new deal. UGFA remains focused on the table.
For more information on the vote, including polling locations and times, can be found on the UGFA website.