The University of Western Ontario Faculty Association has set a strike deadline of 12:01 a.m. Nov. 3. That is the first date on which unionized faculty members at The University of Western Ontario will be in a legal strike position.
The announcement follows the filing of a “No-Board” report by Ministry of Labour Director Reg Pearson on Oct. 17.
“We still hope a strike will not be necessary,” says UWOFA President James Compton. “And we will continue to bargain in good faith to achieve a fair and equitable settlement.”
Five negotiation dates are scheduled before the deadline, including Nov. 2. More than 1,400 full and part-time unionized faculty members have been without a contract since June 30.
“Western remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement,” says Helen Connell, associate vice-president of communications and public affairs at Western. “At the same time, ensuring undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students have the opportunity to successfully complete their academic goals is Western’s highest priority and, as such, the university has developed appropriate contingency plans should they be required.”
Outstanding issues at the table include: a series of linked articles that would institute “performance management” techniques governing Academic Responsibilities, Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment, Annual Performance Evaluation, Sabbatical Leave, and Discipline. Compensation also remains unresolved.