| Could you please forward the email below to your various departments? I am sorry to say that there is no way to reach the SFUFA membership. The biggest list is academic women, where I have sent this message, but these issues are significant for all faculty.
marjorie
Begin forwarded message: Subject: RE SFUFA & Coffee klatch today
Date: January 20, 2015 at 9:24:57 AM PST
Dear All,
I would encourage members to urge SFUFA to have a more collective approach to discussing the proposed bargaining positions. I imagine not many of you noticed that some of the positions SFUFA is now bargaining were communicated to the membership by email just before Christmas. And, apparently the union is now actually in discussions with the administration (although I am assured these are fairly minor issues right now).
I feel strongly that the membership should have a chance to discuss the bargaining position on issues in meetings where we can hear each other. Also, I am quite concerned that a radically different position on salaries (from what currently exists) is being contemplated before having a full discussion with the membership. The salary issues were raised briefly at the last annual meeting in the fall, but this was the first time any of us heard of it, and despite concerns raised, the same approach seems to be the preferred direction.
While coffee klatches to discuss issues with the President are fine, they are not a substitute for a full-scale explanation and discussion of the bargaining position. I was the only person at the coffee klatch last week and I don’t imagine it will attract much interest this week as well.
The issue now is the process of negotiating the first collective agreement. I think that we need the following:
1) a clear explanation of SFUFA’s position on crucial issues in sessions where we meet together. 2) a clear explanation & understanding of the ‘trade-offs’ that are anticipated to obtain certain things. 3) a discussion of major principles regarding remuneration. I am afraid that one issue is dominating the salary approach (eliminating salary scales) and that the result may actually result in greater inequalities in the salary system. 4) SFUFA membership should vote on the elements of the bargaining proposals before negotiations continue.
I have communicated my concerns to the President, Executive Director, and some members of the Executive. I would encourage you to contact them yourself so that we can have a bargaining position that results in a collective agreement we can endorse.
This is a crucial bargaining round for the union and it should be done in a way that is very transparent to the membership and respects the approaches of the most democratic trade unions.
Best,
Marjorie
PS I should note that SFUFA has opened a separate email list where members can discuss issues. Since this is an ‘op-in’ list, few members belong, so it is not a substitute for open face-to-face meetings.
Marjorie Griffin Cohen Professor, Political Science/GSWS Simon Fraser University
Begin forwarded message: Subject: Event reminder: Coffee klatch today - Tuesday, January 20th from 11 - 12:30
Date: January 20, 2015 at 8:47:32 AM PST
Hello Members,
A reminder to drop by today between 11 - 12:30 to chat with SFUFA President, Julian Christians about bargaining proposals or any other issue you may want to discuss. Location is outside Simon C's convenient store - AQ 2000 level. SFUFA will buy coffee and a treat.
Thank You!
Coffee Klatches: Tuesdays January 20th, 27th, and February 3rd 11:00-12:30 outside of Simon C's Convenience Store located in the AQ 2000 level to discuss bargaining proposals and other issues. Please drop by for coffee and pastries. Registration not required. _________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events at SFU Burnaby:
Thursday Jan 22nd, pension information and feedback session, Diamond Alumni Club (lower level), 12:30 - 2:30, lunch provided.
Thursday, Feb. 19th, pension information follow-up and feedback session Diamond Alumni Club (lower level), 12:30-2:30, lunch provided.
Coffee Klatches: Please note there will be coffee klatches held on Tuesdays: January 13th, 20th, 27th, and February 3rd 11:00-12:30 outside of Simon C's Convenience Store located in the AQ 2000 level to discuss bargaining proposals and other issues. Please drop by for coffee and pastries. Registration not required.
Upcoming Events at SFU Vancouver:
Wednesday, January 21st, bargaining proposals and other issues 12:30 to 2:30, HC 2250, lunch provided.
Thursday, Feb. 26th, pension update and feedback session, 12:30-2:30, HC 2235, lunch provided.
Upcoming Events at SFU Surrey
Friday, January 30th, bargaining proposals and other issues, Central City Brewing Pub, 3 pm, registration not required.
Wednesday, Feb. 25th, pension update and feedback session, 12:30-2:30, Surrey room 4040, lunch provided.
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