The University of Western Ontario and the 51 librarians and archivists represented by the University of Western Ontario Faculty Association (UWOFA-LA) ratified a new agreement on Friday, Sept. 23 ending a strike that began Sept. 8.
The Librarians and Archivists voted 84 per cent (36-7) in favour of a four-year agreement that will see them receive a 1.5 per cent base salary increase in each year. Western’s Board of Governors voted to approve the agreement later that same day.
“The university is pleased the parties were able to achieve a negotiated settlement,” says Helen Connell, associate vice-president, communications and public affairs. “We value the contribution the librarians and archivists make to the university’s teaching and research mission.”
“I’m please to see that the membership has endorsed the deal,” says Bryce Traister, UWOFA president. “I’m proud of the resilience they demonstrated during this strike.”
The ratifications mean the librarians and archivists were back to work on Monday, Sept. 26. They had been without a contract since June 30.