Faculty SIGNS leal, Sirike Averted, but Students may pay the Price

Fears of a faculty strike at UPEI have been eliminated as the faculty asso- ciation ratified a collective agree- ment with the UPEI Board of

Governors. On February 13, the UPEIFA held its ratification vote with 88 % of those voting approving the agreement.

Dr. Larry Hale, the president of the UPEIFA, described the signif- icance of the deal in a press release: "This collective agreement establish- es a good foundation for the faculty and academic staff at UPEI. In order for a university to grow and continue to offer quality programs to students and have a healthy research profile, the faculty and academic staff must enjoy good working conditions. This agreement goes a long way to meet-

ing the needs of the UPEIFA mem- bership. It is a good start." Dr. Hale told the Cadre that he believes the faculty association did very well regarding ‘non-economic’ issues such as tenure and promotion, aca- demic freedom and intellectual prop- erty rights. However, he added, "our salary settlement was not entirely satisfying." He adds that the.salary

is below what other faculties of

small university in the region are receiving. "It is something that will have to be addressed in future nego- tiations."

While the deal is a relief to students concerned about a possible strike, it raises problems for the stu- dent body as well. Student Union President Brandon. MacKenzie is glad the deal is now ratified and a strike averted, but is weary of the

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economic consequences of the deal and the effect on tuition. "Earlier the Governors projected a 4 % increase in tuition next year. Due to the nego- tiation settlement it will likely go above 4 % now," he warned. He added that the university's financial situation is not very flexible and the increase in expenses will likely be recouped through tuition increases since there is no sign of increased funding from the government. After meeting with provincial treasurer Mitch Murphy, MacKenzie said Murphy's hands are tied. These con- cerns raise questions of what the agreement means for students. Without additional government sup- port, a tuition hike is probable - this fact indicates the losers in the deal may be the students.

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MacKenzie took a shot at the professors. "I beg to ask where the professors were when students protested outside the Minister of Education's office for an increase in operational funding - funding which pays their salaries. I'd hope that both students and professors are working toward the same ends."

In addition to an increase of tuition, the length of the agreement should be of concern to many stu- dents. The agreement expires on June 30, 2005 and the faculty associ- ation still believes it is underpaid. In

just over a year, there will be anoth-

er round of negotiations and perhaps fears of strikes may flare up once more at UPEI.

Editor's Note: Because of the timings of the contract signing, "White Juan", and our pub- lishing deadline, UPEI administration officials could not be reached for comment at this time.

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UPEI Cadre February 24, 2004 page 5

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