University of Manitoba Administration Building.
Yesterday, academic staff at the University of Manitoba hit the picket lines.
Today is the second day of the strike, and conciliation began between the University and the faculty association. The University asked the Province to appoint a conciliator on Oct. 31 when mediation between the two parties failed.
According to labour laws in Manitoba, the University or the faculty association can trigger binding arbitration if the strike continues for 60 days or more.
The university has offered a 7% salary increase over four years, while the association is seeking a 6.9% raise in one year.
“We’ve been building these demands and these priorities for over a year of meeting with our members in their departments, and they’re determined to make sure that we get something adequate at the table,” said Mark Hudson, President of the University of Manitoba Faculty Association.
“Our hope is, after one day of striking and seeing the resolve of our membership — that these are really serious issues, issues that we’re not willing to just drop — that we’ll see some flexibility and movement by the University at the bargaining table,” he said.
The provincial government will not try to force an end to the strike, said Premier Brian Pallister. The Premier said he supports the process and will not interfere.
For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions and a list of continuing classes, please visit umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo.
