Last week’s formal mediation between the University of Lethbridge and union members has failed, raising the prospect of another strike vote.
Oops (Alberta Union of Provincial Employees) Local #053 – which represents approximately 500 workers in sectors such as care, IT, sports and recreation and other sectors of support services – to a new collective bargaining agreement with their employer from October 2020 is having a conversation. ,
U of L said discussions with union members that held mediation on November 24 and 25 were “productive and positive,” but there are still several areas of disagreement between the two sides.
After the failed arbitration, both parties have entered a cooling off period of 14 days. After that, union members could initiate a strike vote.
In February, a lockout and a University of Lethbridge Faculty Association (ULFA) strike disrupted classes for weeks.
“Their mandate hasn’t changed, and the mandate we’ve received from our members is not being met,” said Jake Cameron, president of the local union.
“They’re bargaining through Provincial Government Bargaining Coordination Office, So they are in a box and they can’t get out of it.
On Thursday afternoon, the LKU put out a statement confirming that a new meeting had been set for Tuesday.
“Earlier today, the University of Lethbridge and the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees Local #053 agreed to return to arbitration on December 6, 2022, based on the recommendation of the arbitrator to resume work,” the organization told Global News.
“The university is hopeful that a new collective agreement can be achieved.”
There is a possibility of strike if there is no solution
Cameron said, “There are options on the table for us which include a strike vote, which is the last thing we want to do.”
“Our goal is not to disrupt the semester, disrupt student learning or their education, but you know, we also have members who are going through these tough economic times just like everyone else.”
ULFA president and English professor Dan O’Donnell said it is almost unheard of for a post-secondary institution to be attacked twice in one year.
The school is still recovering from the effects of the labor impasse earlier this year.
“Possibility, even, is actively damaging our reputation right now,” he said.
“Even pushing things to this point twice a year doesn’t do the university any good, and certainly raises concerns among students, parents, and I would say faculty and staff.”
Kairvi Bhatt, president of the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union, said the situation comes at a difficult time for students with final exams coming up.
“Students are feeling very overwhelmed right now to be completely honest,” she said. “It is not news that they were hoping (for) or anticipating.
“Students just want a normal year on campus.”
She said her goal is to make sure students are updated as the situation continues, encouraging them to reach out with any questions or concerns.
“We’re really hoping that nothing worse comes out of this, and that it is resolved in a positive and productive way and that we can continue to have a strong (and) a respectful experience on our campus.”
O’Donnell said that teachers who are not part of AUPE Local #053 will have the option of crossing the picket line if the strike occurs.
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