(1) the momentous nature of this initiative
(2) the (as far as I am aware) inconclusive though extensive discussion of the issue that we had in the faculty several years ago
(3) the pitifully small number of votes (as proportion of the faculty) that passed the motion, and
(4) the intertial effect of policy development to which you allude,
the first move that the SFUFA exec should make by way of "exploring and providing information" should be to find an effective way of polling the entire faculty's views on this question, whether by online or mail ballot, or by a special GM.
Best wishes,
JD Fleming
English
From: "Brian Green" <brian_green@sfu.ca>
To: "JD Fleming" <jfleming@sfu.ca>
Sent: Monday, 6 May, 2013 08:07:58
Subject: Re: [SFUFA] Unionization
There were some 40 people overall. Votes were 24 in favour, 4 against, and the remainder absentions.
As noted in the message, if a motion passes at an AGM, provided there is quorum (20 members), it must then be acted on. The motion in place is to explore and provide information - but it is entirely possible that in the Fall there will be a motion to proceed more actively, so we want to make sure everyone is aware.
----- Original Message -----
From: "JD Fleming" <jfleming@sfu.ca>
To: "Brian Green" <brian_green@sfu.ca>
Sent: Monday, May 6, 2013 8:04:54 AM
Subject: Re: [SFUFA] Unionization
How many people were at the GM, please? And/or, what proportion of the faculty? JD Fleming
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian Green" <brian_green@sfu.ca>
To: sfufa-members@sfu.ca
Sent: Monday, 6 May, 2013 07:53:37
Subject: [SFUFA] Unionization
Dear Members:
At the General Meeting in late March, a motion was passed directing the SFUFA Executive to explore the processes and implications of faculty unionization.
The discussion is an important one, and members will have a range of views on the subject; the SFUFA Executive is not taking a position at this time, believing the decision rests solely in the hands of you, the members of the Association.
We provide here a brief introduction to some of the main questions that may arise, and encourage you to consider the issue so that you can actively participate in the discussion over the next few months.
You will find the memo on unionization at a re-vamped SFUFA website at
http://sfufa.ca/2676/the-unionization-question/
We are arranging a spring social for Tuesday, May 28, which will also include a short discussion on the question of unionization with faculty presenters from both sides of the debate. Further information on that event will follow in the coming days.
Thank you for your attention, and we encourage all members to share with us their questions or opinions.
Brian Green
Acting Executive Director
--
SFU Faculty Association
778-782-4584
brian_green@sfu.ca
--
James Dougal Fleming
Associate Professor and Undergraduate Chair
Department of English
Simon Fraser University
778-782-4713
libberleeber.com
@DougalFleming
--
James Dougal Fleming
Associate Professor and Undergraduate Chair
Department of English
Simon Fraser University
778-782-4713