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    • 18 APR 16
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    Negotiations and Consequences

    Negotiations and Consequences

    This is one in a 2016 series from the desk of the FSA Executive Director, Paul Reniers.

    April 18th Edition

    The Collective Agreement Is Coming

    The latest FSA –BCIT collective agreement was reached on July 31, ratified by the bargaining unit in September, and by the employer in mid-October.  Since then BCIT’s Labour Relations office and the FSA have been sending copies back and forth to figure out what a printed copy of the new agreement will look like.  While this is never as easy as it sounds, this round produced two significant challenges: an agreement to make major housekeeping changes (like standardizing capitalization) and representing the Economic Stability Dividend that works like a wild card on our salary scales.  The final draft of the agreement was sent to the Post-Secondary Employers’ Association for confirmation on April 13.  In the meantime, we have posted revised salary scales.

    BCIT Launching Training Program to Prevent Sexual Violence

    Further to the adoption of its policy on sexual assault, BCIT is launching a by-stander training program in the hopes of preventing sexual assault in the school community. The aim of the training is to provide participants with “skills, awareness and practical approaches about how to speak up and communicate that sexual violence and abuse are not acceptable.” Beginning with a train-the-trainer session this June, BCIT plans to prepare a group of at least 20 leaders who will commit to delivering 3-5 one hour sessions a year, primarily aimed at students.  The program hopes eventually to be able to reach all BCIT students. People interested in participating are encouraged to contact BCIT Harassment and Discrimination Policy Advisor Jennifer Walker at 604-432-8409 or can find out more on the Loop (BCIT staff only).

    What’s Behind a Confidence Vote By Faculty

    Faculty votes of non-confidence in their institutional leadership have made the news this month. In the continuing fallout of its Board of Governors’ handling of the resignation by President Arvind Gupta last year, members of the UBC Faculty Association endorsed a motion stating that the Faculty Association has no confidence in the BoG.  The Carleton University Academic Staff Association also passed a motion of non-confidence in the BoG and senior administrative staff over allegations of failing to protect against conflict of interest and failing to provide transparent and accountable governance practices. The Thompson Rivers University Faculty Association will conclude a non-confidence vote on April 19, citing the university’s failure to adopt a shared governance model. Such votes are a product of academic freedom, which allows faculty to express views contrary to those of university administrators.  They also reflect the principle of shared governance and the need for academic staff, rather than administrators, to have control over decision making on academic matters.  A faculty vote of non-confidence indicates that the way the institution is being managed risks compromising the integrity of the academic programs.

    CAUT Putting the Scare Into Big Carbon

    For any members wondering if the Canadian Association of University Teachers has any clout, Enbridge and the University of Calgary seem to think so. Environmental activists and faculty and U of C raised concerns last year about the energy company’s attempt to leverage its large donations to the school into influence over board appointments, staffing, and even student awards.  An internal investigation concluded that no policies had been violated.  CAUT has launched an investigation that will also look at whether those policies are adequate to protect academic freedom and institutional independence.  Now the administration is cautioning faculty about speaking to the CAUT, of which they are members.  The warning, which CAUT Executive Director David Robinson described as ‘intimidating,’ demonstrates how seriously CAUT’s investigation is taken.

    Federal Budget

    The federal budget presented last month attempted to provide significant stimulus money to help the economy.  The Federation of Post-Secondary Educators prepared an analysis of what it means for BC colleges and institutes, noting that many of the commitments fall short of the promises made in the Liberal campaign platform.  There will be modest increases in infrastructure funding for post-secondary institutions, research councils, First Nations education, student loans, apprenticeships, and labour market development agreements.  FSA Board member Derik Joseph also forwarded an analysis that points to significant increases in funding for youth employment, including co-op placements.

    Ministry Funding Announcement for BCIT Equipment

    Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson was at BCIT April 8 to announce funding for new equipment for trades and health programs.  The $350,000 investment comes from money under the Skills for Jobs Blueprint.  The FSA has invited several government officials to visit the campus in May.

    BCIT’s Provincial Association Appoints Teaching and Learning Resource

    The BC Association of Institutes and Universities, of which BCIT is a member, has appointed an Executive-in-Residence for Teaching and Learning Innovation. Dr. Tom Carey’s focus is intended to be on inter-institutional collaboration.  There’s no indication how faculty and staff can access this resource to assist in such collaborations.

    Faculty Forward Fight for 15

    As unions across Canada participate in the Fight for $15 campaign to raise the minimum wage, contract instructors at universities in the US are also engaging in a Fight for 15.  They are calling for a standard rate of $15,000 for every course to help raise adjunct faculty out of poverty. A report by the Service Employees International Union documents how academic management have driven precariously employed faculty into poverty.

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