Report Back: CAUT’s 94th Council
Below, President Colin Jones reports the Canadian Association of University Teachers’ Council meeting last month.
It was my pleasure to represent the FSA at the Canadian Association of University Teachers’ (CAUT) 94th Council meeting in late April. More than our opportunity to participate in the democratic process of our association, it was a chance to bond, celebrate, and, yes, even commiserate with our colleagues from across Canada. CAUT represents over 72,000 members working in academia across Canada–including we at the BCITFSA.
We heard inspiring reports from the picket lines, where staff took job action to defend their rights in bargaining. There were four associations that had recently ended their strikes, one in Quebec and three in the Maritimes. With great timing, after four weeks on strike, the University of PEI Faculty Association reached a negotiated agreement on April 14, which was ratified by the membership in time for their president to join us in Ottawa on April 19 to share the good news. I’m proud to say that the FSA was able to demonstrate our support with financial donations to each of the four union strike funds.
More than just money, however, we heard the importance of not feeling alone in the fight. Their victory is our victory! Our sector is stronger for workers with each union win.
Speaking of great timing, after a unanimously supported emergency motion, we were able to spend two of our lunch breaks on Parliament Hill, joining hundreds of the 155,000 striking PSAC workers in solidarity. The resolve and commitment of these public service workers is inspiring and contagious. I was excited to read this morning that these workers now have tentative agreements place.
Whether through our affiliation with CAUT, the BCFED, or the Canadian Labour Congress through NUCAUT, it is uplifting to know that we are part of a larger labour movement that is strong and supportive of each other. That when our time comes, we will not have to fight alone.
