Created 14 January 2020 21:01

The Confederation of University Faculty Associations of British Columbia (CUFA BC) supports the 278 faculty members and librarians of the University of Northern British Columbia Faculty Association as they head to final offer selection arbitration.

Following three weeks on the picket line in late 2019, a mediator was appointed to help the bargaining teams for the union and the Board of Governors work through impasse at the table. Ultimately, the mediator recommended binding arbitration for the outstanding financial matters. The parties continue to work through this dispute resolution process with an arbitrator.

The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) sent a letter to Ms. C.E. Lee Ongman, Chair of the UNBC Board of Governors, urging the university to undergo joint workplace restoration and relationship enhancement with the Faculty Association. This expression of solidarity follows the outpouring of support from more than 200 delegates of the CAUT Council. Council passed a motion of solidarity for the faculty members and librarians of UNBC Faculty Association. CUFA BC attended the meeting and supported the motion.

“The support from across Canada has been so encouraging for our members,” says CUFA BC Executive Director Annabree Fairweather. “Strikes at our BC universities are uncommon, but the poor labour relations at UNBC have exacerbated the challenges at the table. We remain hopeful that a fair resolution will come soon.”

CUFA BC represents over 5,500 faculty members and librarians at the five research intensive universities in British Columbia (University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Victoria, Royal Roads University and University of Northern British Columbia).

For further information or comment please contact CUFA BC Executive Direct Annabree Fairweather at 604-646-4677 or [email protected].