Posted December 19, 2012: The StFXAUT wishes to update our members on the current status of the conciliation process.

In two days of negotiations, under the direction of provincial conciliator John Greer, the AUT presented its complete package – monetary and non-monetary – of contract issues. In the spirit of furthering progress we withdrew some initialproposals. Despite our best efforts, the administration’s response has been consistently negative as solutions were refused summarily. Therefore, we must report no substantive movement on the key issues that our members have prioritized.

The Negotiating Team and Executive Committee remain committed to the conciliation process as a means of achieving our Third Collective Agreement. To this end, we have agreed to a last round of conciliation scheduled for 4-5 January.

While our goal remains to achieve a fair negotiated settlement, the StFXAUT is now approved by the CAUT Defence Fund for full benefits, loans, and related support in the event of a strike or lock-out. THE CAUT Defence Fund includes (non-taxable) strike pay for individual StFXAUT members. In offering their unanimous support, CAUT DF delegates expressed concern that some employer demands would seriously undermine basic principles for the governance of post-secondary institutions and urged the AUT to remain resolute.

The continuing solidarity of StFXAUT members remains key to achieving a fair and equitable settlement. Our message to the StFX community and students remains that, while we are prepared to undertake job action, if necessary, we will make every reasonable effort to achieve a settlement that upholds the academic mission and quality of education at STFX.

Updates on our progress will resume in early January, and you will receive notice for a membership meeting in the New Year. Your Executive Committee, Negotiating Team, and support committees thank you for your ongoing encouragement this term and wish you all happy holidays.