Decision made in light of contract vote
Feb 04, 2010 - 04:31 PM
By Crystal Crimi
DURHAM -- The union representing colleges has pushed back its strike deadline from Feb. 11 to Feb. 17.
The decision comes in light of a Feb. 10 ratification vote initiated by the colleges, which allows faculty to decide on management's final offer.
The Ontario Public Service Employees' Union strike deadline change is intended to avert a strike, said Debbie Rautins, president of Durham College local.
"If the offer is not ratified, they can go back to the table," Ms. Rautins said.
But management will not be going back to the table if that's the case, said Ken Robb, Durham College's vice-president of human resources.
The offer going to vote is the maximum management can give, he said, adding the colleges won't agree to binding arbitration either.
Management is currently offering a three-year deal with a 1.75-per cent increase in the first year, two per cent for the last two and some other improvements.
"We would hope for a positive vote and then it's over," Mr. Robb said.
In January, 57 per cent of Ontario college faculty voted in favour of a strike -- 56 per cent at Durham College. "I think (the ratification vote outcome) is going to be close again and I believe Durham College will reject the offer," Ms. Rautins said.
As of September 2008, the minimum salary for full-time professors, librarians, and counsellors affected by the contract was $55,683 and the maximum $96,529.
Management's proposal would bring the salaries to $58,946 and $102,186 by the end of the contract's term, while the union's proposal would see it bumped a bit higher to $59,965 and $103,951.
According to the OPSEU, issues of contention surround workload and academic freedom.
Given the close outcome of the strike vote, Ms. Rautins is not concerned about backlash from within if the group takes to the picket lines, although she added she won't deny it could create some animosity.
"I think it's up to the leadership to set the example for understanding and tolerance to everyone's views," Ms. Rautins said.
A new strike protocol in the works will present some different options for picketing and should help to alleviate some of the concerns by faculty, she added.
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