Faculty Bargaining Bulletin: Vol. 9, No. 6

The UWOFA Board of Directors has unanimously voted in favor of filing for conciliation and holding a strike vote.

We have reached a point in bargaining where the remaining issues are some of the most important to Members, and the Employer is not moving far enough.

Western’s current salary proposal does not restore the purchasing power we have lost. Its response to our benefits proposals was a rejection of the package in its entirety. It has reduced the number of Limited Duties conversions and rejected proposals to improve job security for long-serving contract faculty. On workload the Employer continues to pursue a proposal that would allow Deans to impose an Alternative Workload on Members they consider to be less active in research or scholarship activities than the norm. 

We need to increase the pressure at the bargaining table.

Why are we filing for Conciliation?

Conciliation is the next step in the bargaining process when significant differences remain between the parties. A Conciliation Officer is a third party appointed by the Ontario Ministry of Labour who works with both sides to help resolve outstanding issues and reach an agreement. They do not impose a settlement or decide what our collective agreement will be.

A Conciliation Officer can help move negotiations forward and bring the parties closer to an agreement.

What does a strike vote mean?

A strike vote asks Members to decide whether to give UWOFA a mandate to take strike action if it becomes necessary. 

A strike vote is not a vote to go on strike immediately.  It does not end bargaining, and it does not mean Members will immediately stop working. Instead, it gives UWOFA a mandate to take that step later, if necessary, while strengthening our position at the bargaining table now. 

A strong mandate demonstrates to the Employer that Members are prepared to stand behind our bargaining priorities. It gives us greater leverage to negotiate the agreement we need. 

Get informed. Get connected. Vote.

The next week matters.  When you return to campus, connect with your Stewards and get answers to your questions about bargaining and the strike vote. Talk with your colleagues about what is at stake and make sure you are ready to participate.

Information about the strike vote, including voting dates and locations will be shared later this week. 

Every Member has a voice in this vote. We need you to use it.