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VICTORIA After months of bargaining, including an attempt at mediation in December followed-up recently by an offer to accept binding arbitrationan offer rejected by university administrationteaching assistants, language instructors and computing staff at UVic have tendered their required 72-hour notice before taking strike action.
“It seems pretty clear to us,” says Sherwin Arnott, chair of the CUPE local
4163 bargaining team, “that strings are being pulled beyond this campus
administration. While the union has done everything, including offering to
accept binding arbitration, to avoid job action, the University is
steadfastly offering us nothing. At this point we have no choice but to
exercise our right to strike.”
CUPE members expressed concern about a campus-wide shutdown during the Monday night meeting where the decision to give the 72-hour notice was
taken. “Were students, and we want whats best for students,” said Kristin
Atwood, a graduate student in the department of Sociology. ” Even at this
final hour we hope the University will address the key issues of tuition and
wages before were forced to put up picket lines.”
CUPE 4163 members have been hit with major financial hardships in the last
two years. Tuition has increased 70% yet with no corresponding wage
increases for TAs. Currently UVic TAs earn $17 per hour, while TAs at UBC
and SFU earn $25 and $27 per hour respectively. Negotiations have been
underway since August but no wage offer has been made to offset tuition fee increases.
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Contact:
Sherwin Arnott, Bargaining Team Chair, CUPE local 4163, 250-818-5717; or Melissa Moroz, Communications Director, CUPE local 4163, 250-213-9637.