TSSU announces picket line at Harbour Centre on June 29
This message has been sent to all faculty and staff at Simon Fraser University.
The university is writing to inform you that the Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU) has given notice of pickets beginning June 29, 2023 at 7:30 a.m. at the Harbour Centre location of SFU Vancouver Campus. Please note that picket lines, strike activity and protests could impact operations at other SFU Vancouver locations including the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue.
If you are normally scheduled to work or teach at Harbour Centre on Thursday, June 29, you may encounter a picket line. Any union or APSA members should expect to hear from their union or APSA representative and are encouraged to seek their guidance about crossing or respecting a picket line.
The right to respect a picket line is legal and outlined in policies AD 9.15 and AD 10.15, as is the decision to cross a picket line. It is important to note that faculty and staff who do not report to work will not be paid when they do not cross a picket line.
If you choose to respect a picket line, it is good practice to notify your dean or supervisor as soon as possible, but you are required to notify your dean or supervisor within 36 hours of the strike being announced under GP05.
We care about the academic success of our students, supporting our outstanding faculty and staff and nurturing a thriving, world-class research environment. However, we recognize that negotiating a collective agreement is complex. The Collective Bargaining FAQs have been updated with information about your rights and responsibilities during strike action and picket lines.
What you may experience at a picket line
The university has heard concerns about behaviour at previous picket lines. We expect everyone at SFU to be respectful towards one another, despite differing views or opinions.
You can expect banners and noise, but by law, picketers are not allowed to restrain you from crossing the picket line. Faculty and staff who elect to cross a picket line are encouraged to consider alternate entrances or buddy up while walking through a picket line. Remember, you do not have to engage or respond to demands from those on a picket line.
Harassment and intimidation are not acceptable, and not representative of our community’s expectations around respect and personal safety. If you experience or witness an incident of inappropriate behaviour please complete the Strike Incident Report Form and send it to safe@sfu.ca.
Learn more about picketing and what to expect by visiting the Collective Bargaining FAQs.
What advice can be shared with students?
For faculty and staff who support students, the most important thing you can do is let students know if and how picket lines will affect classes, advise them of any cancelled or suspended services and proactively communicate about what will happen if they choose to respect the picket lines. More information about student rights and responsibilities is available on the Collective Bargaining FAQs.
What supports are available to me?
If you are feeling impacted by recent activities, there are resources and supports available to you:
- Faculty and staff can access the Employee and Family Assistance Program.
- All SFU faculty, staff and students can get support from SFU’s Bullying and Harassment Central Hub.
- As always, Campus Public Safety’s emergency line is available for immediate 24/7 support: 778-782-4500. Safewalk is also available 24 hours a day, dial 778-782-7991 for assistance or to make non-urgent reports.
SFU’s labour relations team is focused on getting back to the bargaining table with TSSU to find positive, sustainable and mutual interest-based outcomes that meet the core needs of both parties and help to reach a settlement as quickly as possible.