Part-time profs say lockout possible

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY FACULTY ASSOCIATION

If granted, this will give administration the right to lock-out part-time faculty as early as June 4-6.

A lock-out would have an immediate negative impact on students because a significant number of spring/summer courses are taught by part-time faculty. 

The response of the Algoma University Part-time Faculty bargaining team was to immediately request mediation through the Ontario Labour Board. 

The primary focus of the Algoma University Part-time Faculty bargaining team has been EQUITY.

They tabled three main proposals at the bargaining table; all aimed at achieving equity for the part-time faculty in following areas: 

1. Equity with other Northern Ontario universities. Bring the sessional course stipend for all part-time faculty from the lowest in Northern Ontario to the current (2014) Northern Ontario university average course stipend over the length of the contract; 

2. Equity of access to benefits like other Algoma University Union groups. Access to the Benefit plan for both health and retirement as all other Algoma University union groups, including part-time staff and ESL instructors, currently have access to these benefits; and 

3. Equity of pay structure. Grant part-time faculty experienced-based pay based on their contribution to programme delivery. 

The employer has refused to negotiate on the basis of any of these proposals.

Algoma University had a $2.2 million surplus in 2012-2013 and has a projected $1.7 million surplus for the current year, 2013-2014.

On that basis alone, the Faculty Association and Part-time Faculty bargaining team believe that it should be possible to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement with the administration.

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