VIU Strike Talks Break Down

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UPADTED April 8
Looks Like Semester Is Lost

Spokesperson for VIU Toni O'Keefe is quoted in the press as saying she does not think the spring semester can be saved and the University will start offering refunds on Monday. She is quoted as saying the University has given the faculty association everything the can, but can't surrender the management of the university to them.

Faculty Association president said their are not seeking a management position but rather a say in the course offerings and the jobs attached to those courses.

O'keefe goes on to say that not only the spring semester is likely lost, but also the fall semester which brings not only revenue losses but a serious blow to the reputation of VIU.

The faculty president is quoted as saying his association does not want a management role, but does say:

they want protection for course offerings, and the jobs attached to those courses, courses should be protected before other areas in the institution, they want a mechanism that sees courses won't be reduced or faculty laid off if administrative positions are going to be added.

Comment: I am not sure why these decisions are not considered to be a management role?

Reasons Given For Talks Breaking Down

According to VIU

Talks have broken off in the ongoing contract negotiations between Vancouver Island University (VIU) and its Faculty Association (VIUFA).

The 28-day strike is now leading towards the cancellation of the semester, leaving thousands of students caught in the middle.

According to university officials, the University has done everything it possibly can within the bargaining mandate to bring the strike to an end.

VIU negotiators working with the representative from the Post-Secondary Employers’ Association (PSEA) are frustrated with the Faculty Association’s approach to bargaining. “The Faculty Association has continued to introduce new items, or re-introduce items that had previously been withdrawn from the table,” said Harry Janzen Bargaining Chair for VIU. “Each time we sit down, it is like starting from square one.”  It has become clear that the Faculty Association is attempting to assert control over processes that rightfully fall under the jurisdiction of the University Board administration, Senate and University administration.  According to the University bargaining mandate, VIU cannot negotiate these items.

According to VIUFA

Face to face talks between Vancouver Island University and it Faculty Association broke down late last night when the VIU bargaining team walked away from the table. The VIUFA bargaining team expressed frustration that VIU balked when a solution seemed so close. “We were frustrated and bewildered by their refusal to talk any further,” said VIUFA Chief Bargainer Gara Pruesse. “This was the first time that the two bargaining teams had sat across from each other since the strike began and we felt that progress was being made. We believe that a deal could have been reached if they had stayed at the table.”