I am writing in response to the email which I had received about the ongoing strike at X. As a StFX alumni, I was shocked to read this email which has essentially placed blame on the instructors at StFX for the cancellation of classes and encourages us to believe that StFX administation is ‘committed to resolving this issue as quickly as possible’. As a member of the StFX alumni, I understand how the instructors here at X are the driving force of the university.

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From: Jessica Doiron
Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2013 1:41 PM
To: Alumni Affairs
Cc: stfxaut
Subject: Alumni response RE: Strike

Hello,

I am writing in response to the email which I had received about the ongoing strike at X. As a StFX alumni, I was shocked to read this email which has essentially placed blame on the instructors at StFX for the cancellation of classes and encourages us to believe that StFX administation is ‘committed to resolving this issue as quickly as possible’. As a member of the StFX alumni, I understand how the instructors here at X are the driving force of the university.  Teaching staff work very hard and support students to achieve excellence in their professional careers in leadership roles and as advocates for social justice. The administration should have been back at the table earlier this week initiating formal negotiations with AUT members, instead of playing games and relaying the message ‘we won’t negotiate unless you go back to the classroom’. Finally, informal talks have started and hopefully the StFX administration gets back to the table until a deal has been reached.

As a current student (Post degree BSc Nursing ’13), I would like to get back to the classroom as quickly as possible.  I see the union members picketing at the entrances on campus and it puts a smile on my face. Seeing the members of various departments working together is inspiring.  They are out there for us, the students. They are fighting for us, so we can expect to attend StFX and receive the best education. Where is the respect for these educators? That was not mentioned in your email that was sent out to (selected) alumni members.

As a parent, I know how difficult it is financially to raise a family in Nova Scotia.  These employees have families which they are raising and adequate health plan benefits equal healthy families in our community.  I have three children and my husband’s benefits are essential to our family.  When administration bonuses are higher than an annual income, it is upsetting.

Born and raised in Antigonish, I know how much the instructors at StFX are valued in this community.  They make up our board members and our community partners.  They are in our hospital and in our schools. There is always someone ‘who teaches at X’ making a contribution to our community.

I would not worry about the ‘reputation’ of StFX right now. It is already affected by the university’s response.  I do hope that the administration works hard for the students so we can get back into the classroom.  There needs to be a common ground, but the administration needs to be willing to negotiate with AUT members.  I also hope that the AUT works with the administration to come up with a reasonable and fair offer.

I am proud to be a member of the StFX alumni, but there are many members of our alumni family who need our support right now.

Thank you,

Jessica Doiron
BA ’06 BScN ’13