YUFA News

YUFA

News

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE"

October 9, 2001

CONTACT:

Monica Mulvihill, mmulvi@YorkU.CA, 416-736-5236
York University Faculty Association (YUFA)
Telephone: 416 736 5236 Fax: 416 736 5850
Email: yufa@yorku.ca

THE FIGHT CONTINUES FOR EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN PROFESSORS AT YORK UNIVERSITY

Toronto, Ontario, 10/09/01. On Thursday, October 11, 2001, arbitration hearings begin on grievances filed by a number of women at York University who claim the Employer has treated them unfairly by paying them less then their male colleagues. The employer has refused to settle the grievances—forcing the union to take such grievances to arbitration. “Simply as a demonstration of their professed commitment to equity and friendly labour practices, we expected more willingness on the part of the Administration to settle the matter,” said Penni Stewart, Chair of YUFA

“Considering that the president of York, Lorna Marsden, is a past president of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC) and has spoken out on equity issues for women, it’s a real slap in the face—especially for women faculty who are at the top of their fields,” said Monica Mulvihill, a staff member of the York University Faculty Association (YUFA).

The York women, who are threatened with the same fate, are watching the situation of retired women faculty members at the University of Toronto with great interest. Having suffered pay discrimination for years, many can look forward to pensions that are substantially lower than those of their male counterparts

“Even though the Union was successful in negotiating a reduction in the gender gap during the last two rounds of bargaining, many women at York continue to be paid less than their male colleagues and lower pay means lower contributions to one’s pension, contributions that may never be recovered,” said Nancy Nicol, Chief Steward and member of the YUFA negotiating committee.

“We had hoped that unfairness in salaries was a thing of the past,” said Mulvihill. “Sadly, we see that many women who are new hires being offered salaries that are still lower than those being offered their male counterparts. This—despite the fact that in 1999 the Administration committed itself to ensuring that no gender-based pay inequities would be allowed.”

The battle for equity for women has become so serious at York, that the Union is prepared to put whatever resources are necessary to achieve fairness in this area.

The York University Faculty Association represents 1150 faculty and librarians at York University. For additional information please contact Monica Mulvihill (mmulvi@YorkU.CA) at 416 736-5236.

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