(Sackville, NB) – Members of the Mount Allison Faculty Association (MAFA) voted in favour of strike action if necessary in a straw strike vote conducted Monday and Tuesday (November 18 and 19).
The vote was 85% in favour of the motion that “Whereas, MAFA and the Employer have been unable to reach a collective agreement, MAFA resolves that its members are willing to take job action, including a strike, in support of MAFA’s contract proposals.”
Brian Campbell, MAFA’s Chief Negotiator in the contract talks said: “That’s a very clear vote. It shows the members support the call for a collective agreement that will help achieve fairness and quality at Mount A.”
Rick Hudson, MAFA President, said “I’m really gratified that the members voted so strongly. This is a wake-up call for the Board of Regents to address the underfunding of academics at Mount Allison. We believe that a fair settlement now will help us retain a high quality academic environment for now and into the future.”
A number of items remain unresolved in the contract negotiations including sabbatical leaves, release time, wages and benefits. The faculty are seeking a wage settlement that would have them earning salaries in line with UNB and St. Thomas.
The union and the employer have jointly applied for conciliation and are waiting for the provincial government to name a conciliator.
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For more information contact:
Dr. Richard Hudson, President:
- (506) 364-2331 (office)
- (506) 389-2239 (res.)
PO Box 6314 Sackville NB E4L 1G6 tel:(506) 364-2289 fax: (506) 364-2288