On behalf of ANSUT, I would like to thank all those members who traveled to Antigonish on Friday in support of our colleagues in StFXAUT. The turnout was impressive: in addition to the 8 flying pickets from the CAUT Defense Fund, there were 23 representatives from Nova Scotia faculty associations who attended their solidarity rally and joined StFXAUT on the picket line. I know that this demonstration of support was greatly appreciated by our colleagues.

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From: Chris Ferns
Sent: Monday, February 04, 2013 11:05 AM
To: StFX AUT

Subject: St FX Strike Support
On behalf of ANSUT, I would like to thank all those members who traveled to Antigonish on Friday in support of our colleagues in StFXAUT. The turnout was impressive: in addition to the 8 flying pickets from the CAUT Defense Fund, there were 23 representatives from Nova Scotia faculty associations who attended their solidarity rally and joined StFXAUT on the picket line. I know that this demonstration of support was greatly appreciated by our colleagues.

Also on behalf of ANSUT, I would like to salute StFXAUT for the magnificent job it is doing. No-one who was there on Friday could fail to be impressed by their formidable organization, and the energy, solidarity, and commitment of their membership.  What is clear is that the battle they are fighting is about more than just the issues being addressed at the bargaining table – crucially important though these are. It is also a struggle over what the university is – to affirm that St Francis Xavier is more than just bricks and mortar, more than just a “brand” – that what makes St Francis Xavier what it is are the excellent faculty who teach there, and the excellent students who are drawn there by the quality of education they provide.

It would certainly appear that the administration was unprepared for the union’s level of commitment and demonstration of strength – and I am pleased to report that talks between the employer and the union have now resumed. It is very unusual for this to occur so early in a strike, and I believe that gives a good indication of the extent of the shock to their system.

Given the importance of their struggle, it is imperative that we continue to demonstrate our support. Unless a settlement is reached before then, there will be another solidarity visit this Friday. If you will be sending members, I would appreciate it if you could give me a rough idea of numbers at the earliest possible opportunity, so that I can make arrangements to charter a bus.

Please circulate this message to your members, and encourage their support.

In solidarity

Dr. Chris Ferns
President
Association of Nova Scotia University Teachers
c/o Mount Saint Vincent University Faculty Association
Mount Saint Vincent University
Halifax
Nova Scotia B3M 2J6