Librarians and Archivists negotiations update

Librarians and Archivists negotiations update

By Communications Staff
(Western News, University of Western Ontario)

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 Western's Librarians and Archivists (UWOFA-LA) have voted in favour of supporting strike action in the event that conciliation talks scheduled to continue with the university through October fail to produce a renewed collective agreement.

Alan Weedon, Vice-Provost (Academic Planning, Policy and Faculty), says despite Monday's ballot results, the university is optimistic that a fair collective agreement can be reached most effectively at the bargaining table.

“Progress has been made on several issues through our meetings thus far, and we remain committed to continuing our discussions with the aid of a conciliator,” adds Weedon.

The 55 members of the bargaining unit are represented by the University of Western Ontario Faculty Association. The university has been in negotiations with UWOFA-LA since May working to renew the group’s first contract, which ended July 1. One meeting has already been held with a provincially appointed conciliator, and eight more days are scheduled through to October 30. The next meeting is set for October 9.

The conciliation process is mandatory under provincial law before either party is deemed to be in a legal position to engage in a strike or lock-out. If the process fails, the conciliator issues a "no board" report, after which both parties must wait a minimum of 17 days before undertaking any job action.

-SMD