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
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.
Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case
The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.