The University of Western Ontario Staff Association (UWOSA) and the University of Western Ontario Faculty Association (UWOFA) have each requested a no board report from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, which will set a firm date for legal strike.
Once the ministry issues the no board report there is a 17-day waiting period before a strike or lockout can occur. A no board request does not mean that negotiations have ended, or that they have reached an impasse.
The University of Western Ontario has been in negotiations with UWOSA since the end of May working to achieve a new collective agreement. UWOSA represents about 1,000 employees engaged in administrative and technical roles across the university. Their contract expired on June 30.
UWOSA members will not be in a legal strike position until 17 days have passed after the no board report has been authorization by the Ontario Minister of Labour.
The next meeting with the conciliator is set for Nov. 4.
On Wednesday (Oct. 13), UWOFA asked the provincially-appointed conciliator to file a no board report to the Ontario Ministry of Labour. UWOFA has been without a contract since June 30.
Further negotiation dates have been set for UWOFA and the administration in October and November. UWOFA will be in a legal strike position by the first week of November.
UWOFA cites unresolved issues including performance management techniques governing academic responsibilities, conflict of interest and conflict commitment, annual performance evaluation, sabbatical leave and discipline, as threatening academic freedom and tenure. UWOFA also expresses concerns about the proposed compensation package being below other Ontario universities.
“We’re hopeful that calling for the no board report will bring a renewed focus to the bargaining table,” says UWOFA president James Compton.
UWOSA and UWOFA members play an important role in achieving the academic and research mission of the university, and Western’s administration is hopeful an agreement will be reached, says Helen Connell, associate vice-president (communications & chief marketing officer).
“Having taken a strike vote, we are not surprised that UWOFA and UWOSA have each taken the next step to request a no board report,” she says.
“Western has the best faculty and staff in the country and the administration is continuing negotiations with both UWOFA and UWOSA. We remain hopeful that we can still reach negotiated settlements with both these employee groups.”
The university is putting a number of plans in place to ensure minimal disruption to students and the Western community should a labour disruption occur.
“Our students are the reason this university exists and we have contingency plans in place for any eventuality. In any labour negotiations, neither side wants a strike. Right now we are focusing our energy on reaching a negotiated settlement,” says Connell.
Updated information will be posted on the Contract Negotiations @ Western website.