Voluntary severance program at the University of Alberta causes friction with academic staff / Union representing transit workers votes to strike if city does not offer better wages and benefits
Union takes issue
with University
of Alberta’s voluntary severance program
Calgary — The Association of Academic Staff University of Alberta (AASUA) is taking issue with the voluntary severance program (VSP) the University of Alberta employed to meet a provincial deadline to balance its budget by spring 2015.
AASUA — representing 4,429 employees — said it supports the VSP but opposes what it calls the university’s unilateral introduction of the VSP without a ratified agreement.
"The AASUA has the exclusive authority statutorily provided to it pursuant to the Post-secondary Learning Act to represent all its members respecting terms and conditions of employment, including severance terms," the union said.
On July 29, the union’s executive committee passed a motion to approach the university’s administration pledging support for the VSP on the condition a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was ratified by AASUA’s membership. The university refused to enter into the MOA.
Martin Ferguson-Pell, the university’s vice-president and acting provost, said the VSP was a result of the union’s refusal to consider re-opening current agreements to reduce faculty and staff compensation and avoid large-scale job losses.
Despite the union’s issue with the VSP, 121 staff members participated in the program. A one-time payout of $16.7 million will be awarded to the faculty, faculty service officers, librarians and administrative professional officers leaving their positions at the end of June.
"We would like to thank all of the individuals taking voluntary severance," Indira Samarasekera, the university’s president, and Ferguson-Pell said in a joint statement. "We know they will be missed deeply by colleagues and students… Our thanks again to all of the individuals involved for their willingness to take this step to assist the university at this critical time."
The VSP will reportedly save up to $14 million per year, but the university announced in August it will have to cut upwards of $56 million in order to balance its budget in time to meet the provincial deadline.
Ferguson-Pell told the Calgary Herald the VSP was only a "critical first step," and the remaining shortfall will likely lead to "involuntary severances."
Possible transit strike looms in Thunder Bay
Thunder bay, ont. — Transit workers in Thunder Bay, Ont., are currently in talks with city staff in an effort to avoid a strike.
On Sept. 29, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 966 – which represents about 170 city transportation staff – voted to take job action against the city if their demands for better wages and benefits are not met.
"Our members are finally fed up. They want to establish some sort of settlement with the city," said Sheila Kivisto, president of the local ATU chapter. "The city needs to recognize the need of transit workers and what they bring to the city. What the members are fighting for is to get an increase in their wages along with benefits that are best suited to their needs."
According to the union, Thunder Bay’s transportation employees are the lowest-paid ATU transit members in Ontario. The City of Thunder Bay will meet with union members to discuss a possible settlement – but Kivisto said she isn’t holding her breath.
"There has been no sign of optimism with regards to establishing a settlement because this matter has fallen on deaf ears," she contended.
As it currently stands, the public will not experience any travel disruptions.
