Re: [SFUFA] Certification of SFUFA as a union

[Andrew von Nordenflycht <vonetc@sfu.ca>]

Some unions do have internal rules that allow the union to levy a fine on members for certain actions, like crossing the union's own picket lines. But I presume these rules would need to be approved by the union membership, not by the executive alone. 

You ask why we would be any different and I guess the answer is that "we" -- the faculty collectively -- can decide to be as different or as similar as we like. Agreeing to certify the association as a union does not necessarily mean also ceding all decision-making authority to the association executive. Furthermore, the association's executives are elected by the faculty. So several points where the faculty as a whole can weigh in on what we prefer.



----- Original Message -----
From: "JD Fleming" <jfleming@sfu.ca>
To: "Neil Abramson" <nabramso@sfu.ca>
Cc: academic-discussion@sfu.ca, "Gail Anderson" <ganderso@sfu.ca>
Sent: Tuesday, November 5, 2013 10:27:36 AM
Subject: Re: [SFUFA] Certification of SFUFA as a union


Perhaps people better versed in the contemporary labour movement than I am can correct me on this point. But my understanding would be that picket-line policy would depend on decisions taken by the union leadership. In other words, a future SFUFA executive could indeed decide to enforce collective responsibility to obey picket lines. After all, respecting the will of the group is fundamental to trade unionism. Other unions in the province, I believe, have on occasion compelled their members to respect other unions' picket lines. Why should we be any different? JD Fleming 



----- Original Message -----

From: "Neil Abramson" <nabramso@sfu.ca> 
To: "Gail Anderson" <ganderso@sfu.ca> 
Cc: academic-discussion@sfu.ca 
Sent: Tuesday, 5 November, 2013 10:06:37 
Subject: Re: [SFUFA] Certification of SFUFA as a union 


Hi Gail 


The answer is that it would be the same as now. SFUFA would be an independent entity. It would not be in any way required to support other unions' strikes. You would be entitled, as now, to cross others' pickets, or refuse and be docked pay by the university. 


Regards 
Neil 

Sent from my iPhone 

On 2013-11-05, at 9:55 AM, Gail Anderson < ganderso@sfu.ca > wrote: 





It has been mentioned that, if we become a union, we may give up the right to strike in favour of other bargaining methods. BUT if we are a union, does that mean that we will be obliged to respect other unions picket lines - ie TSSU and CUPE? 
Thanks 
Gail 




Dr. Gail S. Anderson 







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