Representatives of the Laurentian University Staff Union say that the university showed a “complete lack of respect” for union members during recent negotiations.
LUSU members voted 82 per cent in favour of ratifying a new three year collective agreement with Laurentian University on Aug. 10. The agreement was also ratified by Laurentian's board of governors Aug. 12.
“Negotiations this year were incredibly hard fought,” said LUSU president Tracy Oost, in a release. “Partway through mediation on Saturday night, we learned the real reason for the lay off language that the university was desperately trying to obtain.”
Laurentian was trying to introduce unpaid days off for LUSU staff in the case of financial exigency, union's release said.
The union is dubbed these unpaid days “Dominic Days,” similar to the Rae Days instituted in the 80s by then Premier Bob Rae.
“The problem,” said Oost, “ is a complete lack of respect for LUSU members. The university is still trying to solve its financial problems on the backs of the lowest paid workers.”
The new collective agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2009, and will expire on June 30, 2012. LUSU was successful in bargaining an addition to the harassment grievance language that will allow for consultation on harassment investigators to be used in LUSU cases, the release said.
The union will also have a consultation directly with Giroux regarding issues with the Human Rights office and that office’s handling of complaints through the university policy.
Wage increases will take effect as follows: 2.8 per cent July 1, 2009, 2.65 per cent July 1, 2010, 2.65 per cent July 1, 2011.
The agreement also includes an increase in the university's share of the cost of premiums for the dental plan.
"This is a settlement that is fair to both parties," said Dominic Giroux, Laurentian University's president, in a release.
"Members of the LUSU contribute immensely to the success of our university and our students. Since April, I have taken the time to meet over 30 academic and non-academic departments and university associations. Through these conversations, I have been very impressed with the very high level of commitment of staff and faculty. I make a point of conveying this to our applicants and their parents when I promote Laurentian as the number one choice for university studies."
