YUFA
Executive
Report of Susan Dimock, Vice Chairperson
Organisation, Jan.-May 2002
I became Vice Chairperson in January 2002, and Acting Chairperson in March
2002. My priorities for the term were as follows.
1. Recruitment: YUFA relies upon the efforts
of many volunteers within the academy. My first priority was to
ensure that members were recruited to fill the various positions for the
coming term beginning June 1. I am delighted to report considerable
success in this endeavour. YUFA members have ratified seven Officers
for the next Executive, and a ratification vote is currently being held
for the final two positions. Thus I am optimistic that we will have
a full Executive for the next two years. Volunteers have also come
forward to take up positions on the various subcommittees of YUFA, such as
JCOAA, Grievance and Equity. Success in recruitment has not,
however, been complete. Many units have yet to elect a Steward to
the new Stewards Council, and appointments to the Bargaining Priorities
Subcommittee are not complete.
2. Implementation: Two significant
developments took place under the leadership of YUFA’s Past Chairperson,
Penni Stewart. Our own Constitution was significantly revised, and
the procedures for Tenure and Promotion were altered. Both changes
have required a dedicated effort to make their implementation as smooth as
possible. In the case of YUFA’s Constitution, I have been working
with the YUFA staff, Executive and members of the various subcommittees to
ensure that the mandate of the new positions is clear and members fill
those positions. In the coming weeks I will be working with YUFA
members and staff, representatives of Senate and the Employer, to work out
the details with respect to implementing the new T&P document.
As soon as agreement as to procedures is reached, I will ensure that YUFA
members are informed of their rights and responsibilities under the new
procedures.
3. The Report of the Special Subcommittee on the State of
the University: This Committee has reported to Senate, and has
made a number of recommendations designed to improve (among other things)
labour relations between YUFA and the Employer. I have been meeting
with York’s President, Lorna Marsden, to explore possible responses to
the Report and to discuss more generally how labour relations at York can
be changed. Our discussions are at a preliminary stage, but with
good will on both sides I believe that the Report provides us with an
important opportunity to adopt constructive and progressive labour
practices which will serve our interests as academics and the interests of
the wider university community. I will continue with these efforts.
There are too many people to thank for all of the assistance and support
they have provided to me since I took on these responsibilities at YUFA.
They know who they are, and how grateful I am.