The University of Western Ontario Faculty Association’s Librarians and Archivists (UWOFA-LA) Bargaining Unit has received the ChangeMaker award from Labour United and United Way Elgin Middlesex in recognition of their organizing work and dedication during their most recent and successful round of bargaining.
The faculty association negotiated substantial improvements to their collective agreement following months of outreach and organizing as part of their GET LOUD! campaign.
As Dani Bartlett, Labour Programs & Services Coordinator for United Way Elgin Middlesex states, “the fight they took on was more than a fight for just their members, it was a fight to challenge policy and ensure workers are fairly compensated and valued in their workplace. As I watched this bargaining unfold one word kept coming to mind, FIERCE!”
The UWOFA-LA agreement gains them new office space, adds a new equity representative on selection committees, and establishes a Librarians and Archivists Forum to facilitate collegial discussion with the university administration. Further, a Memorandum of Agreement includes new voluntary retirement incentives with a guarantee that those positions are replaced.
As recipients of the award, the UWOFA Librarians and Archivists are among an impressive group of community mobilizers and stand-up citizens who inspired their colleagues and communities to take action.