MEMBER UPDATE #2
February 8, 2013
FINAL OFFER ARBITRATION A BAD OPTION FOR AUT
AUT members received correspondence today from X President Sean Riley regarding the use of Final Offer Arbitration as an option to settle the strike. The AUT has conferred with several legal and industrial relations experts and they have strongly advised against accepting any such option.
Arbitration removes our Negotiating Team (Brad, Sherry and Bruce) from the process, and consultation with the Executive Committee during contract talks. The option also precludes the opportunity for our team to meet and present fully the details of any tentative offer to the membership, and finally, to have a democratic ratification vote by all our members.
“This option would set an injurious precedent for future negotiations for our union and other unions on campus. By suggesting Final Offer Arbitration as an option, the university president is reinforcing our position that the administration refuses to engage in true collective bargaining, meaningful consultation and due process, “ said AUT president Peter McInnis. “We know the extensive effort everyone has made to bring the contract negotiations to this point. A deal arrived at the table is by far the best option for a positive outcome – a fair and equitable contract for all our members.”
You can follow ongoing developments in the strike on the StFXAUT websitewww.stfxaut.ca and via Facebook and Twitter: