$218 million
in union positions remain on the table
TORONTO
,
Dec. 16
/CNW/ - The colleges' bargaining team today advised that it has been unable to finalize a collective agreement with the Ontario Public Services Employees' Union (OPSEU) representing full-time college faculty.
The union's settlement position continues to be unaffordable. In addition to the
$218 million
in extra annual costs, its proposals significantly impact on the delivery of academic programs and college governance.
"We are disappointed that the discussions were not successful," said
Dr. Rachael Donovan
, chair of the colleges' bargaining team. "We had hoped the union would bring its positions in line with the current economic environment and the four recommendations of the Joint Workload Taskforce Report. This did not happen."
A strike vote will be held on
January 13, 2010
to ask faculty members if they favour a strike or not. The union bargaining team has stated that this vote will strengthen its position at the bargaining table. The colleges believe that a strike mandate will be used by the union to take its members out on strike.
"A strike mandate will not change the fundamental reality, which is that a deal has to be affordable and practical. A strike mandate will not give the colleges more money or flexibility to reach a settlement," said
Dr. Donovan
.
"Whether or not there is a strike is now in the hands of faculty members. If faculty do not support a strike it is anticipated that a collective agreement will be finalized quickly based on the revised terms of employment," said
Dr. Donovan
. "We can settle on a reasonable contract without disrupting the students' academic year through a long and costly strike."
For further information: Don Sinclair, Executive Director, Colleges Compensation and Appointments Council, (416) 325-2908
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