Faculty vote 94% in favour of strike mandate – Vol. 7 No. 10

The UWOFA membership has voted 94 per cent in favour of strike action to strengthen bargaining goals during faculty negotiations.

Thank you for your overwhelming support. Your strong expression of support for your negotiating team will empower them to work toward the best contract possible as we enter conciliation in October.

If conciliation is not successful, the Board of Directors is now authorized, based on the recommendation of your negotiating team, to call a strike when and if it is deemed necessary. An additional vote will not be held. Please refer to previous Bargaining Bulletins for a list of frequently asked questions about what a strike vote means and for more on the remaining issues.

Next steps

A positive strike vote does not mean there must be a strike. A provincially-appointed conciliator will join your negotiating team and the administration side at the table on October 11, 12, and 15. UWOFA remains hopeful a fair and equitable settlement can be reached through the conciliation process.

If the two sides are unable to reach an agreement, the conciliator could file a “no board” report with the Ontario Ministry of Labour, 17 days after which a lockout or strike is legally possible.

Your negotiating team continues to work hard on your behalf to reach a fair and equitable collective agreement and defend the university’s core mission of quality teaching and research.