Following Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan’s speech this week to public sector partners regarding compensation restraint, Western administration and The University of Western Ontario Staff Association (UWOSA) have agreed to set aside monetary discussions until further information is available from government officials. The two sides have been negotiating since May 28.
In his speech, Duncan requested that those already at the bargaining table “agree to pause.” He went on to say, “After today and moving forward, government officials will follow up with you to pursue further, more detailed consultations.”
The following outlines the current status of other employee groups with contracts expiring in 2010:
• The collective agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE Local 772) has been continued for one year on the same terms and conditions as the agreement which expired in June 2010.
• Dates for negotiations with Graduate Teaching Assistants (PSAC Local 610) are tentatively set to resume mid-August.
• The University of Western Ontario Faculty Association (UWOFA) and Western administration are in the middle of a four-week hiatus from negotiations, and are scheduled return to the table August 17.
• Professional Managerial Association (PMA) negotiations are expected to begin in the fall.
Postdoctoral Associates (PSAC Local 611) are working to achieve a first contract and have collective bargaining dates set with University administration for late September.
For more information, visit the Contract Negotiations @ Western website.