Union for U of M faculty votes to authorize a strike
Members of the union representing more than 1,200 staff at the University of Manitoba have voted to authorize a strike. However, it does not mean a strike will be called.
In a Tuesday morning news release, the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) said 85 per cent of its voting members approved a call to strike.
The union noted that it is asking for improvements that will help with staff recruitment and retention.
“Today’s results demonstrate that UMFA members will no longer accept being undervalued by their employer,” said Orvie Dingwall, UMFA president, in the news release.
“Professors, instructors, and librarians at Manitoba’s largest university deserve competitive compensation on par with their colleagues across the country.”
According to the UMFA, the university’s administration has imposed government-mandated wage freezes and below-inflation increases, which has contributed to staff leaving the university and job candidates rejecting offers.
The union added that this has also kept the school in the second lowest ranking in terms of average compensation for faculty among the country’s 15 research-based universities.
Dingwall said the vote does not mean a strike will be called, but makes it clear that negotiations cannot continue until the school’s administration pushes back against the government.
“It seems this administration is unwilling to recognize the contributions of our members to the future of Manitoba,” Dingwall said.
“We call on the administration to protect the autonomy of the university and provide stability for students.”
In a statement posted on the school’s website, Michael Benarroch, the president of the University of Manitoba, said the school is going to continue to bargain in good faith and that it doesn't want a labour disruption.
"At this time, all classes and campus activities will continue as usual. Staff who have been working on campus can continue to do so," the statement said.
He said it has seen progress since bargaining began on Aug.5. He added it wants to address challenges with faculty recruitment and retention and it wants to ensure that each department "offers an outstanding teaching and learning experience."
"We have proposed significant structural changes to enhance pay-scales for years 1 and 2. We recognize the need for market supplements and have made a proposal to continue them in this round of bargaining with UMFA."
Benarroch said an offer that was sent on Oct. 13, the school proposed a four-year contract that saw increases of one per cent in years one and two and 1.25 per cent in years three and four.
"The entirety of our proposal recognizes our commitment to make faculty salaries more competitive within the U15 and regional landscape, while providing stability for students and staff."
He said the school respects the bargaining process and the right for the union to strike, but it believes an agreement will be reached.
"I know the bargaining process can create tension and stress for many in our community; we all feel this. I care deeply about what happens in these negotiations, as I know, we all do. I am incredibly proud of our community's commitment to provide an outstanding student experience."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Still so much love between us,' Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Trump's lawyers grill ex-tabloid publisher as 1st week of hush money trial testimony nears a close
After prosecutors' lead witness painted a tawdry portrait of “catch-and-kill” tabloid schemes, defence lawyers in Donald Trump's criminal trial on Friday sought to dig into an account of the former publisher of the National Enquirer and his efforts to protect Trump from negative stories during the 2016 election.