in 1994, but it has not been brought into force.

As | look at the outstanding - issues on Which the Faculty Association and the administration have not reached agreement, they are significant - but they are not insur- mountable. In each of UPEI's first three decades, we have confronted and worked through equally challenging issues at the bargaining table to come to amicable agreements. We should be able to do so again. By labour relations standards, it is strange to be consider- ing strike action when the parties have spent less than twelve hours at the table, in negotiation and/or concilia- tion, since the tabling of complete pro- posals from the two sides. This is clearly a situation that calls for contin- ued discussion at the bargaining table.

To be clear, the outstanding issues can - and must - be resolved through negotiations. It would not be in our short-term or long-term interest to resolve them through a strike, or the threat of a strike. Neither will it be in our long-term interest to require a third party to settle this for us. Ultimately, there is only one path to an agreement: L¢., through negotiation.

We should all remain opti- mistic that negotiations can produce an agreement that will provide the plat- form for UPEI's continued success. It is toward negotiations that our atten- tion and highest priority should be directed over the coming weeks, with a view to laying down a path that we will want to travel for decades and generations. In so doing, we can build 4 collective culture that will permit UPEI to thrive long into the future.

In closing, it is very important ‘o reaffirm that this exercise is funda- mentally about people, and relation- ships. We will continue our path of Success at UPEI only through the tal- ents, goodwill and collective efforts and esteem of faculty, staff and stu- dents. Our objective in these negotia- tions should be to put in place a cul- ture, and a collective agreement, that Permits all of this to continue flourish- ing. ae

Sincerely, H. Wade MacLauchlan President and Vice-Chancellor |

Here Are the FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About A Possible Strike

HAS A STRIKE BEGUN? This series sof negotiations has led to a point

sociation is now in a legal posi-

out. All students should e back on campus and resume normal uni ivities on Monday,

SOON? make every effort to 's complete offer has otiators since Decemb areas remain, some sig

WILL THERE BE UPEI will con avoid a strike. The U: been with the Associa 8th. A number of unr

is outcome. The University and the iation have indicated an intention to

nificant. The Univer ommitted to continuin gaining table in a spirit of good will

discussions to resolve ding issues and avoid

work stoppage. IVERSITY OFFER TUITION

STRIKE?

WHY IS THERE T-/ A UPEI FACULTY velops in which students

ASSOCIATION ST sses - that is, receive final The UPEIFA Certification on no tuition refunds. In the history

February 23, 2001 an ities there has never been a

trade union on August 2nx a labour dispute.

began on October 31st, and

when the Fac In Jun new executivean began negotiations essentially from scratch with a new set of items and proposals, including the renego- tiating of all articles that had been agreed to that point. Non-monetary items were re-tabled by both sides in October, 2002 and discussions occurred throughout the fall and winter and summer. During this time, the University negotiating team repeatedly requested that the Faculty Association table its full set of proposals, including all economic items. - On November 13, 2003, and following some 75 meetings, the Faculty Association presented - mail and phone. approximately 55 pages of proposals that included its Web: Please check the website at financial demands along with other proposals that the | www.upeinegotiations.ca for more and up to date University had been waiting to see. The University information. Team presented a complete response to all outstanding ° Student Email: Watch your e-mail account for items on December 8th. The Faculty Association updated information. If a strike takes place, please rejected it in its entirety on the following day. In the check regularly. meantime, and prior to receiving the University's ° Phone: A dedicated Information Line will be response, the Association had filed for Conciliation. in place effective January 7th. The number is 566-

e faculty not partaking ‘in stri : ‘as per usual. All proceed- ing classes will bi posted on the UPEI website and it will be up to you to check that site on the status of your classes.

WHAT DOI DO IN THE EVENT THERE ISA STRIKE?

The University has action plans in place to deal with a strike situation. Current information about the status of a strike and what that will mean to stu- dents will be made available in three ways: Web, e-

The Conciliation Officer met with both parties on 6050. December 17th, and submitted his report to the as Minister on December 18th, indicating there was no WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?

settlement of the outstanding items. Continue with your UPEI experience as per

UPEI Cadre January 8, 2004 page 15