(Sudbury – May 22, 2018)

As most of you may already know, an MOA was signed pursuant to negotiations to create a workload committee to explore the possibility of correcting inequities in workloads across the various faculties.

In the fall of 2017, Dean Dawes approached LUFA to indicate that she would like to begin exploring the shift from 15 to 12 credits in the Faculty of Arts. She expressed concerns that faculty members might misinterpret her actions and asked LUFA to assist her in conveying the message that the exercise was pursuant to the MOA and in preparation for the workload committee. LUFA fully supported this initiative. LUFA recognized that data needed to be collected in all faculties to develop a plan for the implementation of an equitable workload. We were appreciative that Dean Dawes had taken an important first step by collecting data and exploring options in order to work out a plan for members of the Faculty of Arts.

The workload committee met early March to discuss the implementation of 12 credits across the faculties. Dean Dawes indicated that it was feasible for her to implement a 12 credit maximum for the Faculty of Arts. During the meeting we were informed that other Deans were not able to make the reduction to 12 credits. In fact, we were told that a reduction for members of the Faculty of Health could not be implemented for at least five years. Although LUFA understood that the shift to 12 credits may not occur for everyone at once, we had expected a concrete plan to ensure that an equitable workload was in sight for all members. However, there was no willingness to commit to a reduction for any of the other faculties.

During the meeting and on one other occasion, LUFA was asked to provide the administration with a blanket assurance that we would not grieve the workloads in the Faculty of Arts. LUFA was clear that such assurances could not be provided in the absence of the complete details, especially in light of the fact that some departments might not be able to shift to 12, and that there had to be a plan for the other faculties.

LUFA indicated that the only way to avoid a grievance would be through an MOA that included the specific details on implementation. We also indicated that, given that the administration was not prepared to discuss reductions for the Faculty of Management, Faculty of Education or the Faculty of Health, the MOA would need Board approval.

LUFA received a copy of the draft MOA two weeks prior to the workload deadlines. The Executive was now placed in a difficult position with respect to advancing the rights of some of its members while knowing that the administration was not prepared to support the rights of others. The Executive decided that the best course of action would be to take the MOA to the Board with the recommendation that it be brought to the membership for a vote.

LUFA also indicated to the administration that it would extend timelines for the submission of workload letters in order to allow discussion of the MOA with the membership. However, even before we could bring the matter to the Board for its consideration, the Dean went ahead with implementing the 12 credit maximum for the Faculty of Arts.

In response LUFA has filed a grievance requesting that any member with 15 credit workload be paid a 3 credit overload. We also indicated to the administration that we would be filing an unfair labour practice given the repeat offenses regarding breaches of the CA.

We will keep you apprised of any new developments.

(Sudbury – May 15, 2018)

One of the core components of academic freedom is the right to participate in collegial governance. For that right to be meaningful, members have to been given real opportunities to participate on University committees. The process of selection should be open, transparent and fair.

In 2013, LUFA began receiving complaints regarding the appointment of members to committees. The complaints revolved around concerns that the administration was excluding members who had dissenting opinions. While LUFA did not validate or invalidate those claims, we did ask the administration to provide evidence that they had complied with Article 5.15.29 which states:

“In order to ensure equality of opportunity to participate in university governance, the Employer agrees to circulate notice of openings on all university bodies above the Department/School/Library level to eligible Members at least two (2) weeks prior to the time that the vacancies must be filled.”

LUFA received no response. It became clear that administration was not in compliance with the article, consequently a grievance was filed. The grievance resulted in a settlement where the administration agreed to comply moving forward. The administration took steps to correct one improper appointment and we noted some improvement on Senate committees. However, despite the settlement there were still several deficiencies in the appointment process and deficiencies regarding the notification to LUFA pursuant to Article 2.50.2 (s). The initial arbitrator was seized on the matter, therefore LUFA requested another hearing with Arbitrator Keller to address the ongoing breaches of the settlement.

The hearing took place on January 18, 2018. A decision was rendered on March 26 and we are pleased to report that a positive outcome was received. The arbitrator ruled that the administration needed to follow the process in Article 5.15.29 for the committees identified by LUFA and provided indices to assist the parties in interpreting the meaning of the term, “university body”. He also ordered that, prior to reconvening the committees listed in the decision, the administration would have to ensure compliance with Article 5.15.29.

Furthermore, Arbitrator Keller ordered the administration to provide LUFA a list of all bodies and to advise LUFA the next time the bodies are to be populated. He also indicated that LUFA could follow up with him should there be concerns regarding the composition of the committees.

A copy of the decision is attached.

(Sudbury – May 15, 2018)

At an award luncheon in Toronto on May 12th, OCUFA President Gyllian Phillips presented LUFA/APPUL’s Jean-Charles Cachon with the prestigious OCUFA Service Award.

The Award was established to honour individuals who have done, or continue to do, exceptional work on behalf of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations and its members.

Jean-Charles was honoured for his 40 years as an academic labour leader who has done outstanding work for OCUFA and its member associations, beginning in the 1970s, as founding President of Hearst University’s faculty association, right up to last fall’s successful LUFA/APPUL strike.

(Sudbury – 1 May 2018)

Dear Colleagues,

LUFA has donated $200 to the fundraising campaign in support of Amir Kiumarsi, a sessional member and union steward at Ryerson University who was seriously injured in the Toronto van attack of April 23, 2018. Please go to https://ca.gofundme.com/amir-kiumarsi if you would like to make a donation.

The LUFA Executive

(Sudbury – April 26, 2018)

LUFA is delighted to announce that Jean-Charles Cachon will be the recipient of the prestigious OCUFA Service Award. The award will be presented in Toronto on May 12.

Jean-Charles has an illustrious 40-year track record as an academic labour leader who has contributed greatly to OCUFA and its member associations. In the late 1970s, he helped to organize the faculty association at Hearst University and was its founding President. Since his arrival at Laurentian University in 1983, he has contributed to the faculty association on many levels including as mentor, media spokesperson, Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-President, and President.

Jean-Charles has the broad view of labour organization and activism. In 1996-97, he played a pivotal role in organizing the Days of Action against the Harris government that culminated in the largest street demonstration in Sudbury’s history. On his watch as the LUFA President in 2002, the faculty association joined the Sudbury and District Labour Council and also became a member of the Ontario Federation of Labour.

Jean-Charles’ most recent contribution was to the LUFA strike of 2017. He returned from sabbatical in Australia on the eve of the strike, and was at strike headquarters the following morning, ready for action. His institutional memory, keen instincts, organizational talents, and tireless commitment were evident throughout, thus helping to make the strike a success. The gains that were achieved have in turn helped other faculty associations, such as at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, with their bargaining.

Please join us in congratulating Jean-Charles as a most worthy recipient of this honour.

The LUFA Executive

(Sudbury – April 16, 2018)

Dear Colleagues,

It is with your support and many words of encouragement that today I begin my duties as President of LUFA. I would first like to acknowledge the outgoing President, Jim Ketchen, for his outstanding record of service with LUFA. Thank you, Jim! Your achievements, commitment and unflagging sense of humour will be remembered for a long time to come. I also wish to thank Charles Daviau for standing as a candidate in this election. The ideas and visions put forward during the three-way campaign rekindled members’ interest in the electoral process, which is a healthy thing for union democracy.

By the time you receive this message, I will have taken my place on the LUFA Executive following a quick but efficient transition made possible by the committed team of dedicated and competent individuals whom I have the pleasure of working with. Rest assured that LUFA’s Board and Executive will be working diligently to serve and defend the interests of all members. I also want to reiterate that all members are welcome at LUFA; don’t hesitate to share your ideas and to voice your opinion. I firmly believe that the solidarity we are capable of showing and that we displayed last fall will enable us to face the challenges that lie ahead. Thank you once again for the trust you have placed in me and please accept my personal best wishes as we approach the end of term.

Yours in solidarity,

Fabrice Colin
LUFA President

(Sudbury – April 13, 2018)

Congratulations to Denis Hurtubise, Dora Radford and Reuben Roth (Faculty of Arts),  Michelle Minor-Corriveau and Elena Hunt (Faculty of Health), and Réal Fillion (University of Sudbury) who have been elected to positions of Steward to the Laurentian University Faculty Association’s Board.

The following members were acclaimed to the Board of Directors:

Library and Archives
Alain Lamothe

Education
John-Jairo Marin-Tamayo

Management
Mohamed Dia, Finance & Operations

Science, Engineering, and Architecture
Michael Persinger, Behavioural Neuroscience
Redhouane Henda, Engineering
1 vacancy

Sessionals
Robert Lemay, Music

Huntington University
Natasha Gerolami

Thorneloe University
Louis L’Allier

(Sudbury – April 3, 2018)

Dear Colleagues,

We have regretfully accepted the resignation of Jim Ketchen as President, effective April 16, 2018. His record of service, which began in 2005, includes three terms as the president. We will miss the insights and expertise that Jim brought to his work on the Executive, the Board, and the many committees that he served on, as well as representing us at OCUFA and CAUT. (We will also miss his robust good sense of humour!) We are indeed grateful for his commitment and leadership over the years, especially during the strike of 2017. Jim will continue to serve on the Board as the Past President.

At the same time, we are delighted to welcome our newly elected President, Fabrice Colin, who will commence his term on April 16. Known for his passion and dedication, Fabrice has already distinguished himself in many capacities at LUFA, including on the Board and on the bargaining team for three collective agreements. We look forward to working with him as we strive to improve the working lives of LUFA members.

In solidarity,
The LUFA Executive

 

(Sudbury – 29 March 2018)

Fabrice Colin has been elected President of the Laurentian University Faculty Association for a two-year term effective July 1, 2018.

(Sudbury – March 13, 2018)

LUFA has donated $1,000 in support of striking contract academic staff (CUPE 3903) at York University. In a letter sent on the day the strike began (March 4), LUFA President James Ketchen wrote: “Having just gone through a strike in the fall, we appreciate the stresses and work involved — know and trust that we are thinking of you and support your efforts.”