(Antigonish-January 6, 2013)

On January 5, a second round of conciliation talks between the StFX Association of University Teachers (AUT) and the StFX University Administration ended with an impasse, after the employer rejected two proposals for a settlement put forward by the union representing academic staff.

“The Association remains committed to achieving a fair and equitable settlement at the bargaining table,” said Peter McInnis, president of the StFX AUT. “We continue to be available for further meetings and invite the University administration to also commit to a constructive exchange of proposals.”

The AUT has proposed reasonable salary increases that are in line with other regional and national settlements for academic staff. The Association is also seeking modest improvements to health benefits, pensions, and the provision of professional development funds, a standard benefit for academic staff across the country.

“We are committed to seeking an equitable deal for our diverse membership,” said McInnis. “The union’s proposals have been responsive to University budgetary concerns in the early years of a new contract, but we cannot compromise on protecting the job security of academic staff and the quality of education it ensures for St FX students. We call on the Administration to commit to this goal with us.”

The Association represents eight different employee groups engaged in teaching and research at StFX, many of whom are employed on precarious, limited-term contracts.

Details of the AUT position and bargaining updates are available at www.stfxaut.ca

Contact: Avon Brophy, (902) 867-3368