January 8, 2009 Background Since the strike at York University began on November 6, there has been little negotiation activity. Settlement discussions were attempted twice in November, but on each occasion the talks quickly collapsed. No settlement discussions at all took place in December. On January 3, when the strike was almost two months old, settlement discussions resumed and have continued for five consecutive days. We commend both sides for returning to the bargaining table and welcome this new series of settlement discussions. When the talks resumed on January 3, the vast majority of bargaining issues remained unresolved. We must acknowledge the possibility that talks could break down again or, even if settlement discussions continue in a productive manner, a settlement may not be reached in time to be of significant benefit to students. While the recent resumption of talks is a positive step, it does not provide York students with any security or confidence that the strike will end in time to save the academic year. We cannot accept protracted negotiations that prolong the strike and threaten the school year. There must be a firm timeframe for an end to the negotiations, and an end to the strike. A firm timeframe for the completion of negotiations and the resumption of classes will provide York students will security that the school year will be saved, and predictability in order to plan their affairs for the balance of the school year and summer. Timeframe Proposal We call upon York University and CUPE Local 3903 to adopt the following measures:
If accepted by both parties, these measures will ensure that classes can resume at York University by Monday, January 19. We note that, in the case of CUPE Local 3903, acceptance of this proposal may require approval of the union membership. A general meeting of members is scheduled to take place today, January 8, at 5:00 p.m. We call upon the leadership of CUPE Local 3903 to put this proposal before the membership for consideration, and we call upon the rank-and-file members of the union to vote for its adoption. |