YUFA
Executive
YUFA Executive Meeting Summaries
2009-2010
2008-2009
2007-2008
2006-2007
2005-2006
2004-2005
2003-2004
2002-2003
2001-2002
by Louise Ripley, Communications Officer
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
Meeting Business:
A. Hilliker reported that the Provost confirmed in Senate that the majority of faculty appointments would be in the professorial stream and that full-time appointments would include professional librarians. A. Hilliker pointed out in Senate that the YUFA Collective Agreement includes provisions concerning Academic Freedom with which President Shoukri’s group’s discussions must be consistent.
A. Hilliker reported on the meeting with President Shoukri and Jim Thomas. The Administration will hold a workshop for Deans regarding working in a unionized environment. At the meeting, A. Hilliker pointed out that the Financial Planning Subcommittee of JCOAA is the appropriate venue for the Administration to discuss budget issues with YUFA.
M. Kandiuk will bring to the incoming Executive details concerning the draft proposal to revise the Constitution and By-laws, including timelines. M. Kandiuk will also bring the nominations for Dispute Resolution Committee appointments for email approval by early June.
A. Hilliker reported that there was a voters’ list for the recent YUFA elections. H. Bishop reported that included in each of its messages to YUFA members was an invitation to the relevant constituency to attend the live results meetings, but CNS will not reveal who voted because of CNS’s confidentiality policy.
A. Hilliker reported that he has not yet received a reply from YUSA concerning the establishment of the YUFA / Employer Committee on Pensions, as provided in the Collective Agreement.
Items for Action:
Executive approved L. Ripley and Lorna Erwin as YUFA’s Trustees for the CAUT Defence Fund, with Kym Bird as an Alternate.
CLA Policy Grievance. Motion: That the Policy Grievance concerning the CLA appointments practice in the LA&PS proceed to Arbitration. Approved.
President – Arthur Hilliker
A. Hilliker reported that since the 24 March meeting of Executive, he has received no response from Jim Thomas, re the Third Party Initiative concerning labour relations at York University. He noted that there are provisions within the Collective Agreement for discussing many of the issues raised at the Third Party Initiative.
A. Hilliker reported that he proposed to meet with the President of YUSA concerning the York Pension Plan. The Employer will propose no changes to the Plan until the FSCO dispute is resolved. In any event, the Employer would have to talk to the All-University Committee on Pensions and the Pension Trustees before proposing any change. A. Hilliker reported that he spoke to G. Brewer and B. Miller and that they want YUFA to be a partner with the Employer concerning changes to the Pension Plan. This would involve setting up an Article 14.01.d committee. A. Hilliker will consult with YUSA concerning, e.g., the possibility of YUSA having observer status.
Motion: That a call go out via YUFA-M inviting all YUFA members to submit their names for the 3 positions as CAUT Defence Fund Trustees. Approved.
A. Hilliker will raise in Senate the fact that the White Paper mentions an increase in faculty complement but is unclear whether this would include professional librarians.
Vice President External: Livy Visano
L. Visano reported that the draft METRAC report was received last Wednesday. An Executive Summary will be received in April, followed by a meeting with the Vice Presidents and then with the community with the public document.
L. Visano will report to Executive at the next meeting concerning the possibility of YUFA support for the Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG).
Equity Officers: Rose Steele & Didi Khayatt
R. Steele reported that a motion will be presented at an upcoming Executive meeting concerning the relationship between the Caucuses and other bodies of YUFA.
Communications Officer: Louise Ripley (in absentia):
Online updates to the FAQs concerning the Collective Agreement are being prepared and are roughly two-thirds complete.
Motion: That YUFA publicize via YUFA-M the OCUFA Workload and Quality Matters surveys. Approved.
Chief Stewards – Suzy Young & Bernie Lightman
Executive received the draft guidelines and procedures for Stewards’ Council, prepared by B. Lightman and R. Steele.
J. Rahn noted that in Constitution 4.1 ‘organizing plans’ might refer to projects not already included in the Executive’s Workplan, and that in the section ‘Debates and Votes,’ voting should be inserted before Council in the heading (1) and in clause 1(a).
Stewards reported on grievances.
Treasurer – Ray Rogers
R. Rogers will circulate a report concerning Executive course releases on YUFA-M. R.
Rogers will compile with Lorna Erwin a report on the Community Projects.
Association for Retired Faculty and Librarians – Alex Murray
A. Murray reported that fund raising for the retirees conference in Toronto has exceeded its goal.
Other Business
M. Kandiuk reported that access to UofT’s Robarts Library for York faculty and librarians who have paid $200 expires at the end of 2009-10. To date, there has been no response from CAUT concerning this problem. Executive members suggested approaching OCUFA, COU, AUCC, and the Ministry.
B. Lightman noted that a Dean has disciplined a faculty member for undertaking teaching outside Canada while on sabbatical. Executive members observed there is ample precedent for teaching while on sabbatical.
The question of divesting from Sun-Life was raised.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Motion: To approve funding for the Retirement Planning Centre in the amount of $9,738 for 2009-10 (according to Article 14.06). Carried.
R. Steele detailed recent communication with a YUFA member concerning Stewards’ Council representation of Equity Studies and Women’s Studies, which have, respectively, 9 and 13 full-time faculty. I. Kovacs suggested that when a Subcommittee to review the By-laws and Constitution is established, a majority of its members not be members of Executive. S. Young will provide the Recording Secretary with a copy of several suggestions. A. Hilliker will inform the member who wrote that there shall be a review of the Constitution and By-laws and members will be consulted. A. Hilliker and R. Steele will consult before the next Executive meeting concerning other issues raised in the member’s communication.
Motion: That Executive approve the YUFA Trustees’ Annual Report for 2009-10. Carried.
YUFA's Legal Counsel, Cathy Lace, will hold a seminar concerning Bill 168 and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in April.
Vice President External - Livy Visano
Motion: That YUFA provide $125 for registration at the OFL-CLC Pension Summit to each of no more than 10 YUFA members and that, if there are more than 10 applications for this support, they will be assessed by the Vice President External, an Equity Officer, and the Treasurer. Carried.
Motion: That YUFA provide $45 to each of an unlimited number of YUFA members for registration at the Toronto & York Region Labour Council’s 8th Annual Workers of Colour / Aboriginal Workers Conference, 8 May 2010. Approved.
Motion: That the Communication Officer consider topics for communication to YUFA members concerning aspects of the Collective Agreement that are not widely known by members. Moved by: S. Young; seconded by: I. Kovacs. Approved.
Motion: That YUFA host an annual workshop for Chairs of units. Carried.
Chief Stewards – Suzy Young & Bernie Lightman
Motion: That Executive approve the policy grievance concerning the LA&PS Dean’s specification of CLA hirings, including details of workload, service / research remissions, and salary. Carried.
Equity Officers – Rose Steele & Didi Khayatt
R. Steele recounted recent discussions with the Race Equity Caucus concerning the criteria and procedures for choosing members of the Equity Subcommittee and observed that this information had been sent to all the Caucuses.
R. Steele brought to Executive’s attention a proposal from the Equity Subcommittee for course release.
Motion: That Executive recommend that the Equity Subcommittee develop a proposal for the next round of bargaining concerning course release for extraordinary service for minority representation and other activity that promotes equity. Carried.
Treasurer – Ray Rogers
Motion: That Executive approve the Draft 2010-11 Budget. Carried.
Association for Retired Faculty & Librarians – Alex Murray
A. Murray reported on a meeting with Vice President Academic Monahan concerning retirees’ compensation for graduate supervision. York’s Centre for Human Rights said it could not take on study of ageism with regard to retirees. ARFL members are concerned that support for conferences is not available to retirees through Professional Expense Reimbursement if they are not listed on the conference agenda. Flaws in the Faculty of Graduate Studies Consultation Documents are another ARFL concern: these include conflicts with actual practice. ARFL will propose at an upcoming meeting that a YUFA Executive member attend the CURAC conference this Spring.
Correspondence Received
Executive received a proposal from a member concerning the reporting of grievances at Annual General Meetings. Executive agreed that the Personnel Committee will consider the implications of such reporting for the workload of YUFA Staff workload and that the Grievance Committee will be consulted concerning revisions to the proposal.
Other Business
Concerning the nomination period for stewards representing Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies units, A. Hilliker will circulate to the affected faculty members a brief communication concerning YUFA’s past practice and Executive’s plan to clarify 4.3.c of the Constitution and 1.a of the By-laws.
Email Motion
Motion: To affirm that the motion concerning the letter to PM Harper and Minister Stahl regarding support for First Nations University was passed since the 10 March meeting. Carried.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Executive discussed the propriety of using the terms ‘Employer,’ ‘Board of Governors,’ ‘Senior Administration,’ and ‘Agents of the Employer,’ e.g., in communicating with the membership / Senate.
Chief Stewards – Susie Young & Bernie Lightman
Executive agreed that B. Lightman, in consultation with other members of Executive, e.g., R. Steele and S. Young, draft a document for new stewards concerning procedural aspects of Stewards’ Council, including relevant provisions of Bourinot’s Rules of Order. It was suggested that the Constitution be amended to take into account the lack of availability of this publication’s 2nd edition.
M. Kandiuk reminded Executive that Leslie Sanders is handling the issue of Teaching Load Documents at Long Range Planning. A current status report on TLDs will be submitted to Executive for its next meeting.
It was suggested that a database of YUFA members’ complaints and grievances be compiled and made available to YUFA members.
Other Business
The FSCO Tribunal will rule in 2 months. Consequent to this ruling, YUFA or the Employer might appeal further.
Correspondence Received
A. Hilliker reminded Executive that the Collective Agreement assigns issues concerning labour-relations aspects of academic planning to JCOAA and that Executive discussed the LA&PS Framework issue as such.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Discussion was held regarding the use of Bourinot’s Rules of Order to facilitate timely meetings. At times when YUFA Executive is present at quorum and an amendment is proposed to a motion brought forward to Stewards’ Council from Executive, Executive may caucus on whether or not to accept the amendment. Further discussion was held about By-law 7.
Concerning President Shoukri’s invitation to YUFA Executive, it was agreed that Executive needs to know what the Employer intends to accomplish before meeting again with President Shoukri. To this end, two Executive members, A. Hilliker and L. Visano, will have a preliminary meeting with President Shoukri and Jim Thomas to determine the Employer’s intentions and will report to Executive as a whole for direction concerning the meeting President Shoukri requested in his letter of 7 December 2009.
In view of its potential implications for the Collective Agreement, JCOAA is considering the LA&PS Strategic Plan. C. Ehrlich agreed to send the Strategic Plan draft to Executive. In the meantime, it is being discussed in open forums before proceeding to LA&PS Council and Senate APPC.
Motion: That the Spring Annual General Meeting be held 12 April. Carried.
Motion: That Executive approve the rationale for and the amendment to By-law 7. Carried.
Motion: That the Vice President Internal and the Chief Stewards resolve any substantial discrepancies between the numbers of home-unit members listed for Representative Groups in the rationale and amend the rationale as necessary before it is submitted to the next Stewards’ Council meeting. Carried.
Vice President Internal – Mary Kandiuk
Executive appointed H. Thomas Wilson and Daniel Perlin to the YUFA Equity Subcommittee.
Executive approved the recommendation that Melanie Cao, Barbara Cameron, Penni Stewart, and Rene Fournier be appointed as YUFA representatives to the Joint Subcommittee on Tenure and Promotion.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
Motion: That YUFA continue support of OCAP. Carried.
In response to Executive members’ requests, L. Visano will take up with OCUFA the issue of the University of Toronto’s new library fees and with CAUT, OCUFA, and the Metro Labour Council the issue of Canada’s secret negotiations concerning the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement.
Chief Stewards – Susie Young & Bernie Lightman
Motion: That the agenda for the 5 February meeting of Stewards’ Council be approved with the following amendment: that Ratification of Appointments to the YUFA Equity Subcommittee and the Joint Subcommittee on Tenure and Promotion be added as an item after By-law #7. Carried.
A number of motions were passed to move grievances to arbitration.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Rose Steele
R. Steele reported that the Race Equity Caucus is preparing a motion or proposal for consideration by Executive.
The need for early development of Equity proposals for the next round of bargaining was stressed. The Equity Subcommittee plans to prepare a proposal concerning, e.g., teaching release for specific equity-related tasks that could be submitted to the Workload Committee.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will be sent to the Personnel Committee.
Treasurer – Ray Rogers
Treasurer R. Rogers will prepare a Spring budget. Accordingly, an Annual General Meeting will have to be held in the Spring. It was noted that there is no Constitutional impediment to such a meeting (Article 3). Footnotes to the Budget will be included for electronic voting and it was suggested that a summary of grievances be prepared for the AGM. Ways of improving AGM attendance will be discussed. As simultaneous food service increases attendance but also causes difficulties, it was suggested that lighter fare be provided for the Spring AGM.
ARFL Representative – Alex Murray
A. Murray will recruit a YUFA Returning Officer from among ARFL members.
Other Business
H. Bishop will forward to L. Sanders, Co-Chair of Long Range Planning, a request for a reminder that Workload Documents are due 15 January.
Correspondence Received:
M. Kandiuk and A. Hilliker will consult concerning the Returning Officer for the upcoming stewards election.
Business Arising From the Minutes
M. Kandiuk reminded Executive of the scheduled meeting with President Shoukri and Vice-President Academic and Provost Monahan.
A. Murray asked about the urgency of someone from ARFL coming forward as Returning Officer. M. Kandiuk responded that the issue is somewhat urgent insofar as she is Acting RO as well as being Acting President for the time-being.
Motion: That Executive determine the implementation of Stewards’ Council representation with respect to the recent amalgamation of Atkinson and Arts on the basis of the names and numbers of units and YUFA members affected by amalgamation with a view to elections of stewards to Stewards’ Council in each of the Liberal Arts & Professional Studies units. Carried.
Motion: That the Vice-President Internal, and as appropriate, the Chief Stewards consult with the two new LA&PS units (Equity Studies and Communications Studies) that have fewer than 15 home-unit YUFA members. Carried.
Mary Kandiuk has posted a proposal for revisions to the Constitution for placement on a future agenda. M. Kandiuk has compiled a list of outstanding vacancies for Stewards’ Council, including those subject to the coming election.
President – Arthur Hilliker, Mary Kandiuk standing in
Executive agreed on a list of non-labour relations topics to be raised by Executive members at the 25 November meeting with President Shoukri.
M. Kandiuk reminded Executive that the meeting of Executive with Jim Thomas and President Shoukri will be held on Wednesday 2 December 2009 and Executive will discuss labour-relations issues considered at the 24 October 2009 meeting.
Motion: That Executive approve and endorse changes to Pension Plan resulting from the CUPE 3903 settlement. Carried.
Vice President Internal – Mary Kandiuk
Motion: That the Vice-President Internal confirm to Stewards’ Council that the final framework on Workload will be brought to the YUFA membership to be ratified by all YUFA members. Carried.
Motion: That the process for nominations to Joint YUFA / Employer committees be adopted. Carried.
Motion: That Executive appoint Amin Mawani and Eve Haque to the Research Development Fellowship Committee and Tamara Kelly to the Teaching-Learning Development Grants / Release-Time Teaching Fellowships Committee. Carried.
M. Kandiuk will follow up concerning possible nominations for the remaining TLDG / RTTF Committee position. If there are a larger number of applicants than the number of vacancies for particular appointments, Executive will review the statements of interest.
M. Kandiuk reported that nominations for the 2010-12 terms of YUFA Executive Officers are being posted as they are received.
M. Kandiuk said there is a need for a future discussion of electronic voting. In the meantime, M. Kandiuk has approached www.evote.ca, which is the only third-party Canadian company that provides infrastructure for electronic voting.
Motion: That Executive approve electronic voting for the upcoming election of Executive Officers. It is understood that this will cost the Association $3500-4000, depending on how quick a turn-around is required for this round of elections. Carried.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
Motion: That Executive authorize support for one of YUFA’s CAUT Defence Fund Representatives (currently, L. Ripley and Kym Bird) to participate in the protest against unpaid days at Lakehead University 20-24 December 2009. Carried.
Executive deferred consideration of support the upcoming (May 2010) CURAC Conference, with the prospect of an email vote. It was suggested that the Treasurer, R. Rogers, indicate the amount of money available for such larger requests.
Executive deferred consideration of support for the All-University Unions petition, with the prospect of an email vote.
L. Visano will provide information concerning the upcoming CAUT conference and requests for funds.
Chief Stewards - B. Lightman & S. Young
YUFA is awaiting a revised legal opinion with respect to the FSCO complaint.
JCOAA Standing Report
M. Kandiuk reported considerable progress on outstanding issues since JCOAA’s previous meeting.
JCOAA has agreed to a memo being sent to the Dean and units of LA&PS concerning the status of existing workload documents and new workload documents, including relevant timelines and dates. As well, such a memo will be going out to other Faculties and units.
M. Kandiuk reported that the Inclusivity / Diversity Survey should be available in a few days.
In response to the Chief Stewards, M. Kandiuk said that intradepartmental inequities will be taken to JCOAA.
Equity Officers: D. Khayatt & R. Steele
Motion: That By-law 3 be changed as follows: change ‘Chairs of recognized caucuses’ to ‘Chairs (or delegate) of recognized caucuses’; change ‘at least five’ to ‘two (2)’; change ‘one year, renewable for two one-year terms’ to ‘two (2) years, renewable for one (1) two-year term.’ Carried.
M. Kandiuk indicated that Leslie Sanders will inform Stewards’ Council about a letter that will be sent concerning the 15 January Workload deadline.
Order of the Day
Jim Thomas (President’s Third Party Initiative) gave an overview of the process so far of consulting with York unions as to their views on why there has been labour unrest at York. Twelve of the last fifteen cohorts of students have had their educations disrupted by strikes. There was a roundtable discussion where each member of the executive provided their views on labour issues.
Business arising from the minutes of 23 September 2009
M. Kandiuk reported that A. Hilliker has drawn Executive’s attention to possible consequences of a medical school at York for YUFA’s membership and the location of such a School (e.g., on or off York’s Keele campus).
Acting President / Vice-President Internal – Mary Kandiuk
M. Kandiuk invited comments on how the meeting with the President should be structured.
There was discussion of the appointment process for the Joint Long-Range Planning Committee on Workload. There were 8 applicants of whom the members appointed were: Brenda Spotton-Visano, Susan Dimock, Scott Forsyth, Patrick Taylor, and Lewis Molot.
Motion: Approve the Draft Financial Statement. Carried.
Motion: Move $100,000 from cash reserves into an investment situation. Carried.
Motion: Send a representative to a CAUT Defence Fund Action Day at Lakehead University. Carried.
Executive agreed that M. Kandiuk will contact the Association of Retired Faculty and Librarians (ARFL) via Alex Murray concerning the possibility that a member of ARFL would serve as YUFA’s Returning Officer.
Vice-President External – Livy Visano
L. Visano reported on the recent OCUFA Board meeting. L. Visano emphasized that University Employers in Ontario have attempted to lock out faculty as a form of ‘Rae days,’ and that Province-wide concerns include a possible increase in credit transfers between Colleges and Universities, the amount of teaching at satellite campuses, the proportion of funding provided by student fees, and internationalization.
Motion: That registration ($325) only be paid for up to 3 members to attend the OCUFA Conference called Financing Higher Education in the Current Economic Climate, 22-23 January 2010, Sutton Place Hotel, Toronto. Carried.
Treasurer - Ray Rogers
R. Rogers presented an updated budget. He explained that a current shortfall is explained by the delay in dues increases following bargaining (the period of 1 May to following ratification), as well as the fact that quite a few course releases have been cashed in suddenly.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Executive agreed that, if the tentative settlement is ratified, Executive will solicit comments on President Shoukri’s proposed Third-Party Initiative re labour relations at York University (Jim Thomas, facilitator) from the 2009 Bargaining Team, YUFA’s Chief Stewards, and the YUFA Caucus of JCOAA.
Motion: That Executive appoint Brenda Spotton Visano to represent YUFA on OCUFA’s Collective Bargaining Committee. Carried.
Motion: That Executive consideration of future unit representation on Stewards’ Council be deferred until Executive receives the report of the Subcommittee on YUFA’s Constitution and By-Laws. Carried.
Executive agreed to develop an agenda of concerns for a meeting to be scheduled with President Shoukri and senior administrative colleagues, as per Article 7.07.
Motion: That Jim Thomas, head of the Third Party Initiative regarding labour relations at York University, be invited to attend the 28 October Executive meeting. Carried.
Motion: That Executive specify topics to be discussed with J. Thomas at its next meeting, 14 October, and that a report of the current Grievance Committee and recent Chief Stewards be prepared for the 28 October meeting with J. Thomas. Carried.
Motion: That L. Visano report to Executive on the All-Unions Committee’s response to President Shoukri’s Third Party Initiative. Carried.
Vice-President Internal – Mary Kandiuk
Executive appointed John Bell and David Doorey to the Dispute Resolution Committee, and appointed Michael Gilbert to the Retirement Planning Centre’s Advisory Committee.
Vice-President External – Livy Visano
Motion: That YUFA support the Centre for Social Justice’s 12th Annual Retreat in the amount of $1,000.00 to subsidize the attendance of low-income people, subject to the receipt of a budget deemed adequate by the Vice-President External. Carried.
L. Visano reported that, following up on the 11 May 2009 Executive motion, two applicants responded to the call for delegates to attend the CAUT Librarian Conference “Negotiating for Parity”.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Rose Steele
D. Khayatt and R. Steele reported on a suggestion to change the membership of the Equity Committee.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
L. Ripley reported that 25-Year Service pins will again be distributed to members at the upcoming AGM.
Treasurer – Ray Rogers
Motion: That Executive approve the 2009-10 Budget. Carried.
Motion: That the Compensation Committee consider YUFA’s policy concerning the banking of course releases for YUFA work. Carried.
ARFL Standing Report – Alex Murray
In response to a query from A. Murray, A. Hilliker suggested that ARFL contact YUFA’s Equity Committee concerning the possibility of ARFL being represented on Stewards’ Council as a Recognized Caucus. It was noted that those ARFL members who are engaged in post-retirement teaching are already represented by their units.
A. Murray noted that ARFL would like the list of those who retired in December 2008 (approx. 28 people) and those who retired in July 2009.
Order of the Day
K. Saravanamuttu, YFS President, made a brief presentation asking for Executive’s support re the 5 November Day of Action and YFS’s 24 September Senate proposal for an academic amnesty on student attendance 5 November.
Other Business
J. Rahn noted that York University has been granted a court order re 3rd-party access to York University’s server and asked whether the issue was being taken up in JCOAA.
Item for Action
Motion: That the Officers’ Workplan 2009-10 be approved. Carried.
Item for information
Executive received J. Rahn’s report on the 29-30 May 2009 CAUT Conference on Contract Academic Faculty and agreed that it be posted at the YUFA Website.
Order of the Day: Endorsement of the Tentative Settlement
Chief Negotiator, Brenda Spotton Visano, presented the tentative Agreement and responded to questions from YUFA Executive.
Motion: That Executive endorse the tentative settlement reached by the Negotiating Team and the Employer and recommend it to the YUFA membership for ratification. Carried unanimously.
Executive agreed that YUFA members be informed as soon as possible that Executive has endorsed the tentative settlement and recommends it to the YUFA membership for ratification. Executive also agreed that the tentative settlement be printed and mailed to YUFA members as soon as possible (e.g., to be received by YUFA members 11 September) and that a Ratification Meeting be held as soon as possible thereafter.
2008-2009
by Louise Ripley, Communications Officer
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
President – Arthur Hilliker
A. Hilliker reported that the Primary Negotiating Positions will be sent to members of Stewards’ Council.
Executive agreed that at the upcoming Stewards’ Council ratification meetings A. Hilliker will introduce the Primary Negotiating Positions and that Stewards’ Council will choose a Chair among the elected stewards for the approval meetings.
Executive agreed that, for ratification of the Primary Negotiating Positions, a General Membership Meeting will be tentatively scheduled for early June.
Vice President Internal – Mary Kandiuk
M. Kandiuk reported that the Employer has told the Joint Subcommittee on Benefits that Long-Term Disability premiums will be increased and that YUFA has been advised by our pension consultant concerning the calculation of premiums.
Motion: That Executive approve the renewal of Simone R. Bohn as a member of the Grievance Committee. Carried.
M. Kandiuk reported that YUFA has requested information for FISC additional to the statement of April 2008 and the recent report to Senate.
W. Whiteley reported that the York Pension Fund will report at an open meeting in June.
Motion: That YUFA Executive put out a new call for members of the Dispute Resolution Committee, including information concerning responsibilities, the 0.5 course release, and the revised email address and deadline for submissions, and that YUFA will request confirmation of those already nominated. Carried.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
Motion: That YUFA Executive approve payment of eligible expenses for two librarian members to attend the CAUT Librarian Conference ‘Negotiating for Parity: Closing the Librarian / Faculty Gap’ in Ottawa Friday 23 October to Sunday 25 October 2009. Carried.
L. Visano asked about ways in which YUFA representatives to such organizations as the OCUFA Board and CAUT Council might inform YUFA members about the information distributed and decisions taken at these meetings.
Chief Stewards: David Cabianca & Suzie Young
D. Cabianca reported on an increasing number of Employer’s disciplinary meetings with members in the last few weeks with some of the matters appearing trivial.
Executive agreed to draft a letter to Gary Brewer, Vice-President Finance and Administration, concerning the current spate of false fire alarms.
S. Young reported that there have been recent discussions with the Employer concerning the 2006 retirement cohort.
The Chief Stewards discussed Policy and other grievances.
It was agreed that the annual results of Leaves & Fellowship awards will be posted to the YUFA Website, pending agreement at JCOAA.
Equity Officer – Didi Khayatt
D. Khayatt recommended that incoming Equity Officers continue YUFA’s participation in AccessYork.
She also reported on current negotiations at Ontario universities that were discussed at OCUFA’s 1 May 2009 Collective Bargaining Committee meeting.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
A motion was approved that a 1.0 course release be awarded for the work of revising the FAQs following ratification of the 2009 Collective Agreement. Further, it was decided that the 2009 FAQs be posted on the YUFA Website rather than in hardcopy.
L. Ripley resigned as “Committee Member” from the Joint Health & Safety Committee. A call will go out over YUFA-M for a replacement.
A call will go out over YUFA-M for a member of the Retirement Centre Board.
ARFL Representative – Alex Murray
ARFL has decided not to ask for status at the FSCO hearing because it believes its interests can best be represented by YUFA’s counsel before and during the hearing.
Business Arising From the Minutes
Motion: That (after seeking concurrence with Stewards’ Council) Executive recommend that Stewards’ Council adopt as a slate for the remaining position as Stewards’ Council Representative to Executive the two candidates who tied in the recent election. Carried.
Motion: That Executive confirm approval of support for Ruthann Dyer as member-at-large and J. Rahn as YUFA Executive observer to attend the CAUT Conference on Contract Academic Faculty in Ottawa, 30 May 2009. Carried.
Orders of the Day
Motion: That, effective 1 June 2009 and on behalf of all YUFA members, the YUFA Executive agrees to give the YUFA Community Projects Committee’s $3,000 per month until the budget is approved at the next Annual General Meeting. Further, the YUFA Executive supports in principle a special levy whereby each bargaining unit member would pay $2 per month to the Community Projects Committee in order to support educational opportunities for secondary-school students who belong to groups under-represented among post-secondary students. Carried.
Email Motions:
Motion: 12 May 2009, pursuant to discussion and request for further information from Centre for Research on Work and Society, that YUFA provide financial assistance to CRWS in the amount of $10,000. Carried.
Motion: 6 May 2009, under the Constitution wherein the Executive is charged with scheduling Stewards' Council meetings and setting the agenda, that ratification meetings be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Monday 11 May, Tuesday 12 May, Wednesday 13 May (the last date being only used if necessary). Carried.
President – Arthur Hilliker
A. Hilliker reported that a call for nominees will go out to members, for a new Equity Officer effective 1 June 2009.
Motion: That Executive change balloting procedures to a two-envelope system. Carried.
Executive agreed to send the Contract Review Committee’s final report, without attachments, to stewards electronically, with reminders that members respect confidentiality so as to ensure that the Employer does not receive the final report and that individual stewards are invited to comment on the report directly to the Executive, via yufa@yorku.ca.
Executive began its review of the CRC’s Final Report. Visitors were asked to respect confidentiality with respect to this item. A. Hilliker again described the process: the CRC’s final report is advisory to Executive; it will be used to produce the Primary Negotiating Positions document that is outlined in the Constitution (9.1). That document will then go to Stewards’ Council and to then to the general membership for ratification.
A. Hilliker distributed the legal opinion of YUFA’s Counsel concerning those eligible to vote for Stewards’ Council Representatives to Executive, namely, that according to YUFA’s Constitution, members of Executive, like other members of Stewards’ Council, are eligible to vote for Stewards’ Council Representatives to Executive.
Order of the Day: Approval of Draft Primary Negotiating Positions 2009
R. Rogers reported on language in Ontario collective agreements that addresses casualization of academic work.
Motion (of 20 April 2009, to be voted on 27 April 2009): That Executive approve the Draft Primary Negotiating Positions 2009. Carried.
Vice President Internal – Mary Kandiuk
Motion: That the following YUFA members be approved as members of the Subcommittee on Stewards’ Council Representation and Related Changes to YUFA’s By-laws: Ben Lowinsky (Arts), David Clipsham, Martin Thomas (Atkinson), Ildiko Kovacs, Suzie Young. Carried.
Motion: That the appointments of the following YUFA members to the Grievance Committee be approved: Neal Madras, Walter. Whiteley, David Cabianca. Carried.
Motion: That Executive approve the Officers’ Workplan Report 2008-09. Carried.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
Motion: That Executive endorse the nomination of Penni Stewart for the NUCAUT Patricia Baker Award. Carried.
Motion: That YUFA pay eligible expenses (to be stipulated in the call to members) for a maximum of two YUFA members to attend the Transforming the Academy: CAUT Forum for Aboriginal Academic Staff (13-15 November 2009). Deadline for applications will be 14 September 2009 and the call will go out on YUFA-M in mid-to-late August. Carried.
Chief Stewards: David Cabianca & Suzie Young
Motion: That Paul Craven be re-appointed YUFA Co-Chair of the Dispute Resolution Committee and that a call go out over YUFA-M for two new YUFA side members of the DRC. Carried.
Email Motions
28 April 2009: Moved that the draft Appendix U, part 1, be included in the primary negotiating positions. Carried.
28 April 2009: Moved that the draft Appendix U, part 2, be included in the primary negotiating positions. Carried.
15 April 2009: Moved that YUFA Executive approve the YUFA Officer Election Balloting Procedures, as amended. Carried.
Business Arising From the Minutes
(of 20 April 2009: 3.a.viii), L. Visano reported that he has contacted Norene Pupo and a budget for CRWS has not yet been submitted. When an operating budget is submitted, the 6 April 2009 tabled motion (3 a vii) will be reconsidered.
President – Arthur Hilliker
A. Hilliker reported that the Contract Review Committee has nearly completed its work and continues to invite Executive members to comment on the Interim Report. He complimented the Grievance Committee on its excellent report. D. Brock, Equity Officer, asked for more time in light of the fact that an equity supercaucus is planned for 20 March; A. Hilliker agreed to wait until early April.
As directed by the 3 March 2009 Special General Meeting, results of the membership survey will be made available to members, including means and aggregates, rankings and ratings, but not individual comments.
Motion: That a subcommittee be established to develop, as necessary, changes to YUFA’s By-laws and Constitution that would arise from changes in Stewards’ constituencies as a result of the merger of Atkinson and Arts, that volunteers be sought among members of the YUFA Bargaining Unit. Carried.
Motion: As directed by a motion from the 3 March 2009 Special General Meeting, YUFA will put out a call to members asking for up to 7 volunteers to serve on this (discussion paper regarding bargaining in a broad context) subcommittee. Volunteers will be asked to provide statements of interest. The deadline will be 20 March. Carried.
Vice President Internal – Mary Kandiuk
M. Kandiuk reported that a call will be issued for nominees to fill the upcoming Chief Steward vacancy.
Motion: That YUFA Executive explore electronic balloting, including www.evote.ca. Carried.
Motion: To approve the appointments of Marcia Macaulay and Lelia Young to the Grievance Committee and that they be asked to provide statements of interest before 3 April 2009, as Stewards’ Council may request them.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
L. Visano reported that YUFA now has 4 delegates (Livy Visano, Claudio Colaguori, Jay Goulding, and Merle Jacobs) to the Toronto and York Region Labour Council.
L. Visano reported that CUPE 1356, supported by YUSA, has opposed the METRAC walkabouts and training sessions because these cannot be done effectively by CUPE 1356 members due to understaffing. L. Visano has informed the YUFA volunteers that the walkabouts and training sessions have been cancelled.
L. Visano reported on plans for OCUFA’s 24 March Lobby Day at Queen’s Park.
Motion: That YUFA will pay the Registration (only) for all members who are willing to attend the Toronto and York Region Labour Council ‘Workers of Colour / Aboriginal Workers’ Conference in Toronto on 2 May. The deadline for applications will be 3 April and the call will go out over YUFA-M. Carried.
Motion: That YUFA will pay eligible expenses (to be stipulated in the call to members) for one member, and for a second person who is an Executive member and who is to be determined later, to attend the CAUT Conference on Contract Academic Staff in Ottawa on 30 May. The deadline for applications will be 3 April and the call will go out on YUFA-M. Carried.
Chief Stewards: David Cabianca & Suzie Young
D. Cabianca reported on grievance activities.
Other Items for Action
Motion: That Executive approve Justin Podur, Ray Rogers, and Hira Singh as volunteers for the Subcommittee to produce a discussion paper regarding bargaining in a broad context. Carried. Executive agreed to circulate another call in order to get up to an additional 4 members to volunteer for this Subcommittee. As with the previous call, volunteers will be asked to provide a statement of interest. The deadline will be 30 March.
Motion: That YUFA provide the Retirement Planning Centre with $9,738 for their 2008-09 year (according to Article 14.06). Carried.
Item for Discussion
Guests were asked if they had anything to add to the meeting. Noreen Pupo, Director of the Centre for Research on Work & Society (CRWS) spoke about the Centre’s funding problems, now that SSHRC no longer funds it. It was noted that donations normally require submission of a budget and must be in compliance with By-law 18 regarding Funding and Endorsements. It also was noted that YUFA’s policy has been not to support scholarly activities and events, which are the Employer’s responsibility, but that YUFA has supported events and activities that promote democratic trade unionism, as distinguished from study of democratic trade unionism.
Email Motion
31 March 2009: Motion: That Executive approve Nicola Short as an additional volunteer for the Subcommittee to produce a discussion paper regarding bargaining in a broad context. Carried.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Motion: That YUFA write to CUPE 3903, copied to the Employer, with regard to mediation-arbitration of the CUPE 3903 Renewal Collective Agreement: that CUPE 3903 fully recognize, on a par with CUPE experience and for purposes of seniority / incumbency, years of service by YUFA CLAs who have not had their contracts renewed. Carried.
A. Hilliker agreed to write to the mediator-arbitrator as soon as appointed, copied to the Employer and CUPE 3903, concerning implications of the Employer's proposals and CUPE 3903's proposals for the YUFA Collective Agreement.
A. Hilliker requested that Executive members review and comment on the interim Contract Review Committee’s (CRC) report, provided prior to the CUPE 3903 strike.
A. Hilliker reported on meetings and communications with CUPE 3903, along with VP External L. Visano.
Executive agreed to hold a Special General Meeting in early March.
Vice President Internal – Mary Kandiuk
M. Kandiuk reported having met with the Employer concerning remediation. YUFA has reserved the right to continue negotiating concerning compensation for YUFA members replacing the work of YUFA members on leave during the remediation period.
Executive agreed to put out a call as soon as possible on YUFA-M for prospective appointees to the Financial Information Subcommittee (FISC), the Joint Subcommittee on Benefits (Article 7.06), and the Grievance Committee (these have been posted).
L. Visano read the letter to CUPE 3903 concerning terminated CLAs, tripartite discussions, and YUFA membership, and reported on CUPE 3903’s responses.
L. Visano discussed his activities, including the Toronto and York Region Labour Council general membership meeting.
OCUFA’s Collective Bargaining Committee (CBC) has requested that YUFA report on the impact of the CUPE 3903 strike on YUFA's impending bargaining. W. Whiteley has agreed to do this.
L. Visano will publicize to YUFA members the METRAC training sessions and safety audit walkabouts.
YUFA Executive made the following appointments:
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To the Joint Benefits Subcommittee: Nuri Jazairi
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To the YUFA Grievance Subcommittee: John Bell, Peter Duerr, Bernie Lightman, Ben Lowinsky, and Gerard Naddaf
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To the Joint Financial Information Committee: Ellie Perkins and Ricardo Grinspun, with Gary Spraakman as an Alternate.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
A. Hilliker reported that Executive has approved $20,000 for the CUPE 3903 Hardship Fund, up to $20,000 towards CUPE 3903’s expenses in the initial phase of its strike, and $20,000 for the York University Undergraduate Student Hardship Fund.
Motion: That YUFA Executive support the petition to reverse the 27 January 2009 Federal Budget’s statement that scholarships granted by SSHRC will be focused on business-related degrees. Carried.
Treasurer – Ray Rogers
R. Rogers submitted YUFA’s current budget figures for information.
Motion: That YUFA donate an additional $10,000 to the York University Undergraduate Student Hardship Fund. Carried.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
The Communications Officer reported on issues of communication during the CUPE 3903 strike.
Chief Stewards – David Cabianca & Suzie Young:
D. Cabianca and S. Young reported on grievances.
Association of Retired Faculty and Librarians – Alex Murray
It was suggested that organizations and individuals who have an interest in the shadow pension issue write to the FSCO Tribunal or make a presentation at the Tribunal.
JCOAA will take up the question of December 2008 retirees at its 6 March meeting.
YUFA will try to secure a compete list of retirees from the Employer.
Correspondence Received:
P. Stewart outlined CAUT’s position on Teaching Stream Appointments (TSAs) and precarious employment.
A. Hilliker reported that YUFA has received a ‘thank you’ letter for its donation to the York University Undergraduate Student Hardship Fund.
Order of the Day:
Executive heard concerns of current and recent CLAs, including the urgent issue of parity of YUFA CLA seniority / incumbency with CUPE 3903 experience. A. Hilliker invited current CLAs to meet with the Contract Review Committee.
In response to the Race Equity Caucus’s (REC’s) query concerning Affirmative Action in an SRC-like program, A. Hilliker indicated that YUFA should consider negotiating Affirmative Action provisions not only for CUPE conversions but also for any future SRCs. If the Employer and CUPE 3903 were to agree to Teaching Stream Appointments as a result of mediation, the Employer would then need to bring this agreement to YUFA, where it would be subject to a secret ballot by YUFA members. With regard to such a program resulting from arbitration, A. Hilliker reported that YUFA has written to the arbitrator, indicating that the arbitrator has no jurisdiction over the YUFA Collective Agreement, a point with which the Employer has agreed. Accordingly, such an agreement would require tripartite negotiation by YUFA, the Employer, and CUPE 3903.
In response to REC’s query concerning the results of the Bargaining Priorities Questionnaire, A. Hilliker indicated that although there was limited support for a 30% target for visible minorities in units with 40% or more females among YUFA members, such a proposal could still be included as a Bargaining Priority for the upcoming Renewal Collective Agreement, as it was in negotiations for the 2006-09 Collective Agreement.
In response to REC’s query concerning the Joint Task Force on Inclusivity and Diversity’s Equity Survey, M. Kandiuk recounted the delays in its completion and reported the Employer’s contention that it is not required to meet its obligations in this regard until the end of the 2006-09 Collective Agreement.
Email Motion (carried)
That YUFA pay the enrolment fee for its Communications Officer to take the teleseminar with Metzger Associates on crisis communication.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Motion: That YUFA Executive re-affirms its support of free collective bargaining and does not endorse a ratification vote of CUPE 3903 members as forced by the Employer. Carried unanimously.
Motion: That YUFA Executive strongly urges all YUFA members to respect individual CUPE 3903 members’ rights in the forced ratification vote to vote freely and according to their conscience. We urge all YUFA members to respect CUPE members’ rights to vote freely. Carried unanimously.
Motion: That YUFA Executive, recognizing the power relations implicit in the roles of YUFA members and CUPE 3903 members, does not endorse any YUFA member attempting to influence how a CUPE 3903 member might vote in the forced ratification vote and that the substance of these motions be conveyed to CUPE 3903’s Executive and publicized to YUFA members via YUFA-M. Carried unanimously.
A. Hilliker reported that he received a letter from Jim Turk, Executive Director of CAUT, cc. to President Shoukri, Penni Stewart, President of CAUT, and Victor Caetano, Chair of the CAUT Academic Freedom and Tenure Committee, that a copy of the CAUT Report on the Vari Hall Incident of January 2005 had been circulated on the YUFORUM list-serv. The letter related that, in view of this breach of confidentiality, CAUT will have to revise its procedures for distribution of such reports.
A. Hilliker reported on the most recent consultation of himself, W. Whiteley, and L. Visano with CUPE 3903’s Unit 2 Bargaining Team on 20 January 2009. A. Hilliker and W. Whiteley identified the following aspects of Unit 2’s proposals concerning ‘Teaching and Service Appointments’: starting salary; PTR; course and service load; Affirmative Action; CLA seniority; sabbatical leaves; criteria for appointment review, including relationship to existing Alternate Stream category.
A. Hilliker reported that he has sought a legal opinion concerning any change to the YUFA Collective Agreement that might result from the CUPE 3903 arbitration and as a result will be instructing YUFA counsel to write the mediator-arbitrator that in his capacity as an arbitrator, he has no jurisdiction over the YUFA Collective Agreement.
Vice President Internal – Mary Kandiuk
Motion: That, in the interest of the greater York University community, YUFA Executive urgently calls on President Shoukri to provide direct leadership in the discussion and processes of the present labour dispute. Carried unanimously.
Motion: That a list of YUFA members’ concerns and initiatives by JCOAA regarding YUFA members’ return-to-class be circulated to YUFA members via YUFA-M and that further concerns of individual YUFA members, including matters of Health and Safety, be solicited in confidence. Carried.
Motion: That the President of YUFA act immediately to demand a meeting with the Vice-President Finance & Administration and, failing that, with the President of York University, in order to address the urgent matter of establishing back-to-class working conditions and to communicate, respond, and take action on a timely resolution of ongoing YUFA business including other JCOAA and C&G concerns. Moved by D. Brock; seconded by: W. Whiteley. Carried.
M. Kandiuk reported that she and D. Khayatt will respond to Dean Lenton’s response to the Task Force on Diversity and Inclusivity questionnaire as a basis for feedback from other YUFA members of the Task Force.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
Motion: That YUFA Executive approve an additional donation of $10,000 to the York University Undergraduate Student Hardship Fund. Carried.
Early in the CUPE 3903 strike, YUFA Executive agreed to provide $20,000 to assist CUPE in paying for strike expenses.
Executive agreed to publicize a call for up to 8 YUFA members to serve as delegates to the monthly meetings of the Toronto & York Regional Labour Council (T&YRLC).
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Debi Brock
D. Brock reported on ongoing Equity Officers’ discussions. In response to a request from the Race Equity Caucus, D. Brock will invite them to the 9 February Executive meeting for a discussion of their concerns.
Other Business
Motion: That Executive call a Special General Meeting as soon as possible to discuss the CUPE 3903 strike and prioritize establishing an agenda for this SGM, recognizing that this agenda might need to be amended. Carried. Executive agreed that the agenda for the SGM would include the following items: information concerning back-to-class working conditions, information concerning “Teaching Service Appointment”-related categories in YUFA; Committee-of-the-Whole; motions.
Correspondence Received:
Executive agreed to invite CLAs to participate in Executive’s meeting of 2 February to express their concerns. Executive also agreed that L. Visano will contact CUPE 3903 concerning an email note that was sent from a gmail account to those YUFA members who signed the petition asking them to settle the strike, and if necessary, will contact the Employer concerning this breach of York’s anti-spam policy.
Email Motion
15 January 2009: Be it resolved that the President or in his absence the Vice-President External of YUFA immediately communicate to the media YUFA's position regarding the forced ratification vote, and to disassociate YUFA, as the mandated representative of York faculty from any interference or pressures on CUPE 3903 members on how to vote.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Arthur Hilliker reported on a meeting of himself, VP External, Livy Visano, and Stewards’ Council Representative, Walter Whiteley with all three of the Unit-II members of the CUPE 3903 negotiating team, which included an account of the Employer’s framework for teaching renewable appointments within YUFA.
Executive agreed that YUFA’s Equity Officers will contact CUPE 3903’s negotiating team concerning equity issues and will report back to YUFA Executive.
Vice President Internal – Mary Kandiuk
Executive agreed to donate $350 to a food bank of CUPE 1281’s choice in lieu of a holiday lunch for YUFA’s CUPE 1281 staff.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
Executive approved a motion to donate $1000 per week for the length of the current strike to the CUPE 3903 Hardship Fund, as directed by YUFA’s 19 November 2008 Special General Meeting.
YUFA will donate $10,000 to the York University Undergraduate Student Hardship Fund to address the financial hardship fund of undergraduate students.
Executive agreed to encourage YUFA members to participate in the METRAC survey, once the CUPE 3903 strike has been settled.
L. Visano reported that the Ad Hoc Committee wants there to be more Stewards on Stewards’ Council. Executive discussed the process by which groups elect stewards, including Article 4.3.c of the YUFA Constitution and By-law 7.
L. Visano reported that the Ad Hoc Committee will provide Executive and the YUFA caucus of JCOAA with a list of members’ concerns about the CUPE 3903 strike. Executive agreed that questions concerning remediation be conveyed to VP Internal, Mary Kandiuk and other, communications-related issues be conveyed to Communications Officer, Louise Ripley. M. Kandiuk reported that the YUFA caucus of JCOAA, plus Stewards’ Council rep Walter Whiteley met to discuss members’ concerns about a back-to-class protocol upon the conclusion of the CUPE 3903 strike and has been exploring with the possibility of meeting with Senate Executive. M. Kandiuk emphasized to YUFA Executive that precedents for YUFA’s role in such an arrangement are still unclear.
L. Visano reported that the Ad Hoc Committee would like to make available to YUFA members an online venue (e.g., a blog, bulletin board, list-serv, or Facebook utility) to facilitate discussion of YUFA-related issues by YUFA members. Potential problems with such a venue were discussed. L. Ripley reminded Executive that anything to be posted on the YUFA Website is approved by the Communications Officer and indicated that all bulletins or communiqués prepared by the Ad Hoc Committee should be identified as coming from the Ad Hoc Committee at the outset, rather than at the end. A. Hilliker suggested that the Ad Hoc Committee send to A. Hilliker any statements or bulletins it wishes to be sent to, or read-out at, Senate, as-is or in excerpted or paraphrased form (noting that there will not be time for the December meeting), subject to the approval of YUFA Executive.
L. Visano reported that the Ad Hoc Committee wants the minutes of the 4 December 2008 Special General Meeting to be posted on the YUFA Website as soon as possible. L. Ripley distributed her summary of the 4 December Special General Meeting to be posted on the YUFA Website along with the draft minutes of the 4 December Special General Meeting.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Arthur Hilliker distributed the Contract Review Committee’s Report and asked Executive members to send comments to the Chair. He also distributed confidential copies of the Bargaining Survey’s results.
Arthur Hilliker reported on meetings of himself and Livy Visano, VP External, with representatives of CUPE 3903 and the Employer, and of himself and Walter Whiteley, Stewards’ Representative to Executive, with representatives of CUPE 3903 concerning SRC-related issues in CUPE 3903’s current round of bargaining.
Executive approved Arthur Hilliker, Livy Visano, and Walter Whiteley to undertake tripartite discussions with CUPE 3903 and the Employer concerning SRC-related issues.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
Executive agreed to pay for the registration of up to ten YUFA members for the 2009 CAUT Equity Forum to be held 6-8 February in Toronto, the deadline for applications being 1 December.
Executive agreed that, in view of the 12 November 2008 application deadline, we will re-issue the call for members to attend the OCUFA Status of Women Conference.
Executive agreed to donate $10,000 to the CUPE 3903 Hardship Fund.
Executive agreed to call a Special Membership Meeting for information sharing, members’ concerns and sentiments concerning YUFA-related issues of the ongoing CUPE 3903 strike.
Livy Visano reported that YUFA’s Ad Hoc CUPE 3903 Support & Communications Committee has been preparing bulletins and communiqués for dissemination to YUFA members. He also reported that OCUFA and other faculty associations will be represented at YUFA’s 26 November 2008 meeting at York’s Main Gate. Ildiko Kovacs indicated she will urge YUFA Stewards to bring unit members to picket at this event.
Executive agreed to donate $1,000 to the CUPE 3903 Hardship Fund this week, as directed by YUFA’s 19 November 2008 Special General Meeting.
Executive agreed to donate $500 to the UpFront Theatre’s Workshop on Violence against Women.
Treasurer – Ray Rogers
Ray Rogers reported that a committee consisting of himself, President Arthur Hilliker, Vice President Internal Mary Kandiuk, and staff person Heidi Bishop are preparing a proposal concerning Executive compensation and course release.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Deborah Brock
The Equity Officers reported on the YUFA Special General Meeting’s resolution to include Affirmative Action in the proposal to be taken to CUPE 3903.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
The Communications Officer is away recovering from surgery.
Association of Retired Faculty and Librarians – Alex Murray
Alex Murray reported on ARFL’s concerns about Professional Expense Reimbursement, compensation for thesis and dissertation supervision, and benefits for retirees.
Item for Discussion
Executive directed Arthur Hilliker to invite Senate Executive to meet with YUFA Executive to discuss the Consultation Paper on Senate Reform.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Executive approved taking the FSCO complaints to the Financial Services Tribunal.
James Turk has informed YUFA that the CAUT Report into the events of 20 January 2005 in Vari Hall cannot be distributed to Stewards’ Council or to YUFA members.
Arthur Hilliker will request that the YUFA Executive Committee meet with President Shoukri, as provided for in the Collective Agreement, to discuss matters of mutual concern. Issues raised by Executive members include:
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the impact of the proposed medical school,
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new faculty appointments,
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a proposal to review Tenure and Promotions procedures,
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implications of the 2% cut (e.g., effects on academic programs, including evening and summer teaching), and
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issues arising from the recent discussion with CAUT and the Employer regarding the CAUT Report.
The Contract Review Committee continues to compile a list of members’ bargaining concerns. Executive approved 15 October as the deadline for submitting completed copies of the Bargaining Survey.
Arthur Hilliker has informed the Employer that any discussions regarding the CUPE 3903 proposal concerning an SRC-like program must be tripartite (CUPE / YUFA / Employer), and that YUFA’s position would be subject to approval by YUFA’s membership.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
YUFA will pay the registration for up to five members to attend the OCUFA Status of Women conference to be held in Toronto on 24-25 January 2009.
Livy Visano will encourage Glendon YUFA members to meet with METRAC.
Executive agreed to subsidize the attendance of both Grievance Officers at the 12-14 December 2008 CAUT Senior Grievance Officers’ workshop.
Treasurer – Ray Rogers
Executive voted to receive the budgeted and actual figures for May to August, 2008.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Deborah Brock
Access York has agreed to have a representative from YUFA; Didi Khayatt will represent YUFA in her capacity as an Equity Officer.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
Executive Officers will be reporting on interesting aspects of their portfolios in Active Voice (Reactivated).
Louise Ripley attended the OCUFA Collective Bargaining Conference and learned that OCUFA has instituted a Bargaining Award for long, productive service in negotiations.
Orders of the Day
Mary Kandiuk provided an update of issues in the Joint Committee on the Administration of the Agreement. Issues include the refusal of Expense Reimbursement for claims more than 6 months old.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Didi Khayatt volunteered to serve as an alternate for YUFA’s presence as Observer at Senate APPC meetings.
The Contract Review Subcommittee has neared the end of its work, but still remains open to hear from members by email.
Executive has received the decision on FSCO and we are disappointed with the results.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
YUFA contributed $1,000 to the Centre for Social Justice and $800 to Rastafest.
Executive members met with CAUT and the Employer regarding the CAUT Report on the Vari Hall Incident.
Livy Visano as Vice President External met with:
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The Arts / Atkinson Dean’s Search Committee and Town Hall Meetings;
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The University Safety Audit Committee;
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Promote and Partner Members’ Research with the Community;
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Members of the Executive meeting with YFS Vice President Equity and Services;
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CUPE 3903 several times re: their proposals that affect our Collective Agreement;
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The OCUFA Board Meeting, June 2008.
He also apprised Executive of an upcoming conference: NUCAUT The Canadian Labour Congress 3rd National Disability Rights Conference, “Shatter the Barriers: Persons with Disabilities at Work”, to be held 15-18 November 2008 at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal.
Chief Stewards – David Cabianca & Suzie Young
The Chief Stewards reported on ongoing grievance issues.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Debbie Brock
Executive agreed to consider a suitable date around early November for an open event at York on how to frame equity proposals for YUFA’s upcoming round of collective bargaining.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
Louise Ripley reported on discussions with YUFA members through the Contract Review Subcommittee.
Treasurer – Ray Rogers
Executive approved the financial reports. Ray Rogers thanked YUFA staff and the auditor for all the work that goes into these reports.
ARFL Standing Report – Alex Murray
Alex Murray reported that ARFL will draft a document for submission to the Financial Services tribunal concerning faculty and librarians who, during 2002-03, were contemplating retirement. He also raised the issue of Senior Scholars being denied support for conference travel although they hold external research grants, teach, or supervise graduate students and suggested that this issue be taken back to the Joint Committee on the Administration of the Agreement.
Orders of the Day
Representatives of the York Federation of Students discussed the 5 November provincial Student Day of Action concerning university fees. Executive agreed to formally support YFS’s Senate motion to accommodate students for participating in the Student Day of Action.
Executive expressed its support for YUFA members who have retired from York University but with their scholarly work, research and/or teaching at York University continue to be active members of the academic community at York and seek fair and equitable compensation for the graduate supervision work they have performed and continue to perform for the Faculty of Graduate Studies. YUFA opposes age discrimination in employments. Executive proposed specific implementation to back this support.
Executive agreed to send the Faculty of Environmental Studies’ and the Arts / Humanities’ issues of reduction of teaching load to arbitration.
Other Business
Executive approved the Executive Officers’ Workplan for 2008 / 2009.
Executive appointed Louise Ripley to the OCUFA Collective Bargaining Committee.
Executive approved $5,000 for promotional items for such events as New Faculty Lunches.
2007-2008
by Louise Ripley, Communications Officer
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
President – Arthur Hilliker
Executive agreed to take part in an OCUFA study of university benefit plans.
Executive approved a motion to explore with the Employer, through JCOAA, the conversion of a YUFA stipend, available under the Additional Compensation clause of the Collective Agreement, into funds to be deposited into a York University research account.
We are still awaiting the ruling of the commissioner of FSCO on the shadow pension issues.
The Bargaining Questionnaire, to be distributed to members in the Fall of 2008, is almost finished.
Vice President Internal – Joan Allen
Joan Allen met with a group of YUFA members with long service in academic work prior to YUFA employment to discuss issues that should come before the Contract Review Committee, to whom the group will be sending a formal letter. Issues include salary compression, pension, benefits, anomalies, and parking related to ability, access, and age.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
Livy Visano reported on the first annual All-Party OCUFA Reception for MPPs at Queen’s Park in April, on the OCUFA Conferences: “Accounting or Accountability in Higher Education” and “Making Connections: University Women and Advocacy”, on the OCUFA Board of Directors Meeting, on the NUCAUT Convention, and the CLC Convention. He also reported on a call for nominations for a member of the OCUFA Executive, and a proposed letter of support re CUPE 1356 action filed against the President of York University.
Executive voted to send up to 5 people to the OCUFA Biennial Conference, to be announced on the YUFA Website and over YUFA-M.
Executive voted to have a discussion at a future meeting regarding the possibility of a hardship fund for requests for funding that do not fit within YUFA’s current Constitutional guidelines.
Chief Stewards – Penni Stewart & Walter Whiteley
Penni Stewart and Walter Whiteley reported that the Grievance Committee is looking at issues and recommendations to go to the Contract Review Committee, particularly around CLAs and new language respecting Article 22 on official personnel files.
Executive approved John Amanatides to sit on the Joint Committee on the Administration of the Agreement (JCOAA).
Executive nominated Ellie Perkins as YUFA nominated Trustee of the York University Pension Fund.
The Grievance Officers will be meeting with the Employer regarding a number of complaint stage grievances.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Joy Mannette
Executive approved the following Policy Statement on Equity:
YUFA Policy Statement on Equity
The York University Faculty Association (YUFA) is committed to equity for marginalized groups who are excluded from full participation in the academy (1). These groups include but are not limited to Aboriginal peoples, women, visible / racialized minorities, persons excluded on the basis of age, persons with disabilities, and lesbians, gays and transgendered peoples. The commitment to equity begins with the acknowledgement of inequity and demands a proactive approach to redress the effects of systemic discrimination (2). In the university environment, systemic discrimination has manifested itself in barriers to access, employment, inclusion, respect and acceptance. The result has been that particular forms of knowledge production, dissemination and pedagogy have been privileged over others, a practice that has limited the scope of scholarship for equity-seeking groups.
- The goal of equity is to achieve inclusiveness and social and economic justice through recognition, respect, numerical representation, accountability, responsibility and the development of balanced, healthy and harmonious working environments(3).
- When assessing scholarship for career decisions, recognition must be given to different and diverse experiences of various marginalized groups. Diverse substantive contributions to knowledge must be welcomed in the university. Diversity demands representation of difference in terms of vision, values, cultural mores, methodologies and epistemologies in critical analysis.
- Equity guarantees all people the freedom to realize and fulfill their potential free from restrictions. Such restrictions include unvoiced biases and assumptions, employment and education inequities, lack of accommodation and institutional structures, policies and practices which perpetuate systemic discrimination. An inclusive university is one that is active in eliminating these restrictions and promotes the full democratic participation of all its members.
- Realizing equity is both an individual and a collective responsibility, YUFA will take a leadership role in its realization by negotiating equity provisions in agreements respecting terms and conditions of employment. Success requires openness, transparency, and accountability in all areas including but not limited to anti-discrimination, harassment, employment equity, accommodation and salary equity.
ENDNOTES:
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By adopting this Policy, YUFA commits itself to providing leadership in the work of combating systemic discrimination, removing barriers and actively promoting inclusivity.
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In (paragraph 34) in C.N.R. v. Canada (Human Rights Commission), (1987) 1 S.C.R. 1114.
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YUFA recognizes the importance of the perspective of the Aboriginal peoples which sees the goal of equity as being the creation of harmony and balance between living beings and that Aboriginal Rights are entrenched in law.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
Louise Ripley reported that the Contract Review Committee is working on final drafts of the membership questionnaire and will continue meeting through the summer.
Active Voice (Reactivated) will be publishing its final issue for this year shortly.
Treasurer – Mary Kandiuk
Mary Kandiuk presented a balanced budget for 2008-2009 and Executive approved it. Though it is a balanced budget, we do anticipate some large legal and arbitration bills soon.
JCOAA Standing Report – Scott Forsyth
Scott Forsyth reported that JCOAA continues to meet monthly and the sub-committees are active as well. The Long Range Planning sub-committee continues to discuss issues related to restructuring Arts and Atkinson. A working group on tenure and promotion is convening to deal with any outstanding cases for members in the middle of the process during the restructuring. The Benefits Sub-Committee met to discuss retiree dental concerns. The Task Force on Diversity and Inclusivity is drafting its survey for members.
YUFA will host lunch meetings for Chairs and members of workload committees in Arts and Fine Arts. The focus has been on units moving to 2.5 FCEs under Article 18.08.2, as well as workload problems in other units. There may be grievances.
Scott Forsyth has met with several units for discussion of workload issues, including changes to teaching load, graduate supervision credits, and other concerns. There continue to be other issues outstanding with the Employer.
The Long Term Disability issue has been resolved in YUFA’s favour.
Scott Forsyth praised the good work of YUFA staff person Heidi Bishop throughout the year.
Items for Discussion
Executive received YUFA Officers’ Workplan Report for 2007-2008. After approval by Stewards’ Council, it will be posted on the Website.
Orders of the Day
Geoffrey Reaume, from the Disability Caucus, made a presentation to Executive regarding bargaining issues.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Executive reappointed YUFA’s Trustees to the CAUT Defense Fund Board: Maura Matesic, Louise Ripley, and Michael Wharton.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
Livy Visano read the letter that Executive had encouraged him to write to the Globe and Mail, condemning the racist satirical cartoon about Afrocentric schools.
YUFA’s name was added to the lengthy list of organizations supporting the “Housing Not War” declaration.
OCUFA is suggesting a questionnaire to members encouraging them to evaluate university administrators.
L. Visano will be attending an MPP reception at Queen’s Park on behalf of YUFA.
L. Visano called to our attention a number of news releases on the Websites of both OCUFA and CAUT.
President Shoukri has appointed L. Visano to be President of the Safety Audit Committee. The constitution of this committee was detailed. YUFA wants a comprehensive audit that is physical and environmental as well as taking account of homophobia, racism and sexism.
Chief Stewards – Penni Stewart & Walter Whiteley
Penni Stewart and Walter Whiteley reported on current grievances.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
Louise Ripley reported that the pins ordered to celebrate faculty / librarians who have been members of YUFA for twenty five or more years have arrived. These will be given out at a special ceremony at the Fall Annual General Meeting.
L. Ripley reported that Wilfrid Laurier’s contract faculty have gone on strike; it’s full-time and contract faculty being in the same union. L. Ripley will be going to Wilfred Laurier on a strike support visit with the CAUT Defense Fund. Executive approved a contribution of $2,000.
Treasurer – Mary Kandiuk
Mary Kandiuk reported that YUFA is in good shape financially, with some expenses a little higher and some a little lower than planned, but overall we are doing well.
JCOAA Standing Report – Scott Forsyth
The Task Force on Inclusivity and Diversity is developing its audit.
With respect to workload, we have had various meetings with Chairs in units moving to 2.5 FCEs.
Executive passed a motion that Employees who elected Irrevocable Reduced-Load as defined in Article 14.02 (b) of the 2003-2006 Collective Agreement and who elected to move to Irrevocable Reduced-Load status under that Article on or before 1 July 2006 and who are still on Irrevocable Reduced-Load status will be offered a one time opportunity to decide if they wish to return to full-load status effective 1 July 2008.
ARFL Standing Report – Alex Murray
ARFL wants the Employer to provides the names of all retirees; at present, they have only those names from January 2007 onwards.
YUFA and the Employer have been discussing the content of the ARFL flyer.
Orders of the Day
Andil Gosine and Eve Haque, Co-Chairs of the Race / Equity Caucus, made a presentation to the YUFA Executive and outlined their concerns and their issues for bargaining.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Arthur Hilliker reported that the FSCO decision has not yet been made.
YUFA’s position on restructuring is that members who move into new units with higher workloads retain their lower teaching loads.
The Contract Review Committee has started meeting weekly, and will hold meetings with the general membership about Workload, Salary & Benefits, and Equity.
Vice President Internal – Joan Allen
Joan Allen attended the New Faculty Luncheon at Glendon, and meetings of the Centre for Support of Teaching Advisory Board, JCOAA Caucus, York Community Projects, and Stewards’ Council.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Joy Mannette
The Equity Officers are working with the equity groups to provide input to the Contract Review Committee. As well, they will be suggesting new contract language around a definition of Equity, to include language on ageism.
The Equity Officers proposed the possibility of having a workshop on racism with the incoming Executive, the Contract Review Committee, and those who will be involved in contract negotiations. They are also organizing equity presentations to the YUFA Executive.
The Equity Officers reported on the racist incident that occurred on the Keele campus in January and the fact that they responded quickly with a letter of support on YUFA’s behalf to the York University Black Students’ Alliance. They then followed up with fact-finding with YUBSA and other organizations, and wrote an article for YUFA’s Active Voice (Reactivated).
JCOAA Standing Report – Scott Forsyth
Scott Forsyth reported that JCOAA has hosted several meetings with Chairs of units that are moving from 3.0 Full Course Equivalents to 2.5 FCEs under Article 18.08.2. Units in Arts, Fine Arts, and Glendon are progressing with academic planning at 2.5 FCE normal teaching load. There is still not agreement, however, on all workload documents. Outstanding issues include language referring to research activity, inclusion of Alternate Stream faculty members, and equitable status for CLAs and SRCs.
JCOAA meetings continue to include discussion by the Long Range Planning Committee of restructuring of Arts and Atkinson. We are planning meetings with the Chairs of units in both Faculties to discuss problems with this ongoing process.
The Benefits Subcommittee will be meeting to discuss problems with Long-Term Disability insurance for those members who are past Normal Retirement Date, as well as other benefits concerns.
The Task Force on Inclusivity and Diversity, stipulated in Article 7.10, has begun to meet.
Other Business
Executive requested V.P. External Livy Visano to write a letter on its behalf, condemning the publication of the “Afro-centric Algebra” cartoon of 18 February 2008 in the Globe and Mail and demanding an apology.
Executive approved YUFA’s support of the “Housing Not War Declaration” from the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee and the Canadian Peace Alliance.
Louise Ripley read a letter of warm thanks from the Faculty Association of the University of St. Thomas to YUFA for its support during their 38-day strike in December / January.
Executive extended a round of thanks to staff person Jill Flohil and Professor Kathy Bischoping for their hard work on the new YUFA Handbook.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Arthur Hilliker reported that the FSCO decision is imminent.
Executive approved bargaining timelines for the coming year and appointed the following members to the Contract Review Committee: Scott Forsyth, Arthur Hilliker, Mary Kandiuk, Didi Khayatt, Louise Ripley, and Livy Visano. These members will serve without additional course release. The Association of Retired Faculty and Librarians (ARFL) was invited to send a representative to serve, but they declined. The Committee has met and scheduled meetings. They propose wide-spread, open meetings with faculty / librarians and an equity meeting as well as having Stewards’ Council representatives meet with their constituents.
The York Federation of Students (YFS) is lobbying the Administration to undertake a safety audit with METRAC.
Vice President Internal – Joan Allen
YUFA has authorized the production of a 25-year service pin to start being handed out at the Fall 2008 Annual General Meeting.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
Livy Visano reported on the CAUT Council Meeting where the issue of directors’ liabilities continues to arise. J. Turk of CAUT recommends that most faculty associations have insurance.
L. Visano brought up the need to prepare for the OCUFA Board Meeting, by examining broader union issues such as new trends in equity and commercialism. In addition, CAUT needs members to sit on standing committees.
L. Visano has been meeting with YFS and they are interesting in developing closer relations with YUFA, on a variety of issues, including Health & Safety. The radio station, CHRY also wants to work more closely with YUFA.
With respect to Community Projects, we are inviting members to share their ideas and talk about community involvement.
YUFA continues to support St. Thomas University faculty, locked-out / on strike since 27 December 2007.
Chief Stewards – Penni Stewart & Walter Whiteley
Penni Stewart and Walter Whiteley reported that the Long-Range Planning Subcommittee is discussing Tenure & Promotion and the issue of ‘home units’ in light of restructuring.
The Grievance Committee has already begun thinking about proposed amendments to Collective Agreement language for the upcoming round of bargaining.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Joy Mannette
The Equity Officers have held another Equity Committee meeting, at which they called for a workshop for YUFA Executive members. Didi Khayatt attended another Race Equity Caucus meeting, and both Equity Officers organized and attended a Workload Meeting for the Faculty of Education, to which Scott Forsyth, JCOAA Co-chair, was invited.
Joy Mannette will be drawing up a schedule of meetings for Equity Representatives to give presentations on their areas of concern to YUFA Executive during Executive meetings.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
Louise Ripley reported on progress on the St. Thomas University strike in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She has been to three of the five CAUT Defense Fund Flying Picket visits this month, and Kym Bird went to the fourth one, so York has been well represented as this very small university continues to hold up under incredible pressure to remove their very right to collective bargaining.
Louise has written several lengthy reports on her visits to St. Thomas University (find them on her Website), but perhaps the most moving piece, for any YUFA member reading this, is this short one: A professor, bundled from head to foot in cold weather gear told her, “The York University Faculty Association has been a constant source of inspiration for decades as what a faculty union ought to be.”
Treasurer – Mary Kandiuk
Mary Kandiuk reported that investments due before the holidays were safely tucked into B.C. Savings Bonds.
ARFL Standing Report – Alex Murray
Alex Murray reported that ARFL does not wish to nominate a member to the Contract Review Committee but would like to make a presentation to them.
Joy Cohnstaedt was appointed to the ARFL Equity Committee.
ARF is exploring, with the 50th Anniversary Committee, what they can do to participate in the celebrations. A. Murray will communicate with the YUFA VP Internal on this.
Other Business
York University Black Students Alliance – Joy Mannette
After the vandalizing of the YUBSA space in the Students’ Centre, reported in Excalibur on 23 January 2008, Executive asked VP External, L. Visano to express our concern on our Website.
Business Arising
Chairs of Equity Caucuses will be speaking with the Executive in the new year, each giving a 20 minute presentation followed by discussion. The Equity Officers will also bring a proposal on the possibility of workshops for Executive.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Arthur Hilliker reported that the FSCO decision is imminent.
Executive reviewed potential dates for the bargaining process and discussed the fact that the next Collective Agreement will be high on its list of major challenges in the new year.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
Arthur Hilliker reported for Livy Visano on some aspects of the all unions meeting.
Executive endorsed the idea of an online petition to be circulated concerning divestment with companies investing in activities in Burma (Myanmar). Executive further will ask the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) to coordinate a national campaign of divestment for Burma.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
Louise Ripley reported receiving a letter of thanks from the Acadia University Faculty Association for YUFA’s support, both financial and moral, in the persons of Louise Ripley and Kym Byrd who attended the first two CAUT Defense Fund Flying Picket’s weekly visits to that campus. Acadia’s three weeks on the picket lines have paid off; they brought the Employer back to the table and settled well.
Active Voice (Reactivated) has been published for December. It is hoped it can be published every other month, in both online and hard copy in members’ mailboxes.
L. Ripley has been in touch with Kelly Holloway of the Graduate Students’ Association, who reports significant gains at FGS Council, including removing the requirement for proposals to be ready earlier in the programme, implementing a review of summer bursaries, and a promise of a new half-million dollars to be committed to Fall / Winter bursaries. L. Ripley and K. Holloway discussed YUFA’s participation in a coalition of GSA, York Federation of Students, and CUPE with respect to restructuring and other issues.
Executive agreed to post Graham Pott’s letter from CUPE 3903 regarding assisting the graduate students in the Work-to-Rule campaign. Members will have seen this in a notice sent on YUFA-M and on the Website.
Regarding electronic CVs, the Employer has asked for electronic CVs for the Anomalies Exercise. YUFA will send a message to members that if they choose not to send electronic versions of their CVs they may send hard copies, as per Article 22.07 of the Collective Agreement. Members may also append notes to their electronic CVs stating they may only be used for the Anomalies Exercise.
Executive advised L. Ripley regarding an inquiry from a member about the Merit Exercise; that advice consisted of reminding the member that his views are inconsistent with his Collective Agreement. I include this small piece of business because it is an interesting part of my job, communicating between Executive and members and sometimes having to remind members of their rights when they seem all too ready to give them away!
Treasurer – Mary Kandiuk
Mary Kandiuk attended to the monies of the Association, and attended the Joint Task Force on Inclusivity and Diversity.
JCOAA Standing Report – Scott Forsyth
Scott Forsyth reported on items to review with Barry Miller, Director of Employee Relations.
The Long Range Planning Subcommittee meets at every meeting of JCOAA (Joint Committee on the Administration of the Agreement). Discussion involved restructuring and the reduction in normal teaching load from 3 to 2.5 courses.
The Joint Task Force on Inclusivity and Diversity is undertaking an audit of units.
YUFA and the Employer differ from Sunlife Insurance Company in its interpretation of Long Term Disability insurance past the age of 65.
Other Business – Scott Forsyth
Scott Forsyth discussed the OCUFA Collective Bargaining Report and reported on negotiations at other universities across the province.
Business Arising From Minutes
YUFA Executive approved supporting the York Coalition for Investments in its Burma Campaign.
Executive also agreed to fund up to four people to attend the CAUT Aboriginal Academic Staff Conference for Aboriginal Educators.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Arthur Hilliker expressed his concern that increased graduate enrolments in some units may result in some graduate students having difficulty in finding supervisors.
A. Hilliker also has nominated Patrice Gelinas as YUFA representative on the All University Committee on Pensions (AUCP). The Executive approved this nomination.
YUFA Executive discussed the CUPE Work-to-Rule campaign and passed the following motion:
We of YUFA share the concerns of Graduate Students that have led to the Work-to-Rule Campaign of CUPE 3903. YUFA Executive unanimously supports CUPE 3903 representing Teaching Assistants, Contract Faculty, and Graduate Assistants at York University in their work-to-rule campaign, any legal actions they may take regarding this matter, and support their endeavours to bring these issues to the attention of the administration. We wish our membership to be supportive of this campaign. We urge you to read the attached [will be attached in email sent to YUFA members] memorandum from CUPE 3903 Executive and consider writing a letter of support as per the attachment.
In lieu of a holiday lunch, the YUFA staff has requested that a donation be made to the Food Bank of their choice.
Vice President Internal – Joan Allen
Joan Allen reported that the New Faculty Lunch was reasonably well-attended.
The Centre for Support of Teaching Advisory Board has asked for our input on teaching issues. Our concerns include:
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Electronic evaluations: Other universities publicly post electronic evaluations.
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Student retention: We are not doing well in retaining 3rd and 4th year students.
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Technologies: What kind of purchases do we require?
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Additional concerns: If you are reading this and have any additions to make, please contact Communications Officer Louise Ripley at lripley@yorku.ca.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
YUFA passed a motion with respect to the current disagreement between the Trent University Faculty Association and CAUT, particularly with respect to VP Internal L. Visano and staff member H. Bishop attending an upcoming CAUT meeting:
Be it resolved that YUFA supports the following principles: a) CAUT assists / supports its member associations; and b) In the matter of labour relations, any employer including CAUT supports all of its staff in the execution of their duties and c) in the matter of CAUT-TUFA, YUFA recommends an immediate resolution / settlement. YUFA regrets this situation.
L. Visano reported on the October OCUFA Board Meeting, where the Ontario Government’s interest in education was celebrated but the trend toward privatization of education, with corporations downloading Research & Development onto education, bemoaned.
L. Visano also reported on correspondence with members regarding Community Projects, on the YUFA Community Projects Committee.
L. Visano also provided an update on the Workers’ Rights, Human Rights: Making the Connection conference in November.
Chief Stewards – Penni Stewart & Walter Whiteley
The Chief Stewards reported on an arbitration decision. They also reported on:
- Hiring and Equity and the possibility of having a session with our lawyer regarding these issues
- The Equity Audit which will look at recruitment, support, and retention with respect to hiring
- Timelines for bargaining for 2009 - ?
- Executive passed a motion to accept, with thanks, a donation of $1000.00 from David Noble from his grievance settlement and to apply it to the Community Projects Fund.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Joy Mannette
The Equity Officers attended several meetings including the Joint Task Force on Inclusivity and Diversity.
The Race Equity Caucus proposed a new Equity Committee membership policy, considered a proposal for a new YUFA listserv for Equity, and elected two new co-chairs: Eve Haque and Andil Gosine.
The Equity Officers also, along with the Education Steward, called a meeting regarding Education Workload and invited Scott Forsyth, Chief Negotiator for the 2006-09 Collective Agreement.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
Louise Ripley reported that October’s Active Voice (Reactivated) was published and she will be publishing the December issue early in that month, with a front page story about equity.
L. Ripley has started her own version of Tom Peters’ “Management by Walking Around”. Look for her to drop by your office to talk about YUFA, what you want from it, what you’d like us to do more (or less) of, and your early thoughts on bargaining, coming up in the not-to-distant future.
Treasurer – Mary Kandiuk
Mary Kandiuk has joined the Joint Task Force on Inclusivity and Diversity.
In addition to looking after the monies of the union, she will be inviting newly hired librarians for a lunch meeting to discuss those things that relate specifically to librarians.
ARFL Standing Report – Alex Murray
Alex Murray reported that ageism should be added to the list of Equity Caucuses, as this will be one of the crucial equity issues in the future.
Orders of the Day
Gary Brewer, VP Finance and Administration, and Mike Markicevic, Assistant VP Campus Services and Business Operations, met with us and reported on Security, Health and Safety at York.
They informed us that “security programming” rather than “task management” is the new approach to security at York, a community-based outreach model rather than an armed, special constable model. Using Community Resource Officers to provide information on security and safety and Emergency Wardens for emergency planning, they hope to educate people that security is everyone’s responsibility. They use a variety of programmes, including Property Watch, Go-Safe, Blue Light, and programmes individuals can take. Security is integrated with the Toronto Police and Trauma Services, and Custodial staff, Parking staff, and Residence Life Co-ordinators are all trained in security. Their focus is on responding quickly and being accessible. There are 7 officers patrolling York at any one time. All 911 calls go through York Security as Toronto Police officers may not know where rooms are located.
Executive listed some of its concerns and the guests responded.
- Adequate Lighting: They have conducted a security audit and realize lighting needs addressing. They have integrated lighting with maintenance and their turn-around time in replacing burnt-out lights is now 24 hours and they have moved from 11% to only 2% of lights being out.
- York’s Dependence on Toronto Police Services: York trains ambulance, fire, and police on how to approach problems at York, and the ways that York is different from the rest of the community these services patrol.
- “Safety Cards” in classrooms: They are considering installing these.
- Response Time: Response time for emergencies is not fast enough. What is the plan to evacuate the mobility-impaired? What should faculty and staff do in the case of a shooting such as took place at Virginia Tech? In terms of bomb threats, the response time has been reduced from 2 hours to 20 minutes; because of this, cancelling of classes and exams can often be avoided.
- Community Involvement: Several Executive members made the point that the community needs to be involved in the creation of new safety and security plans.
- Gary Brewer and Mike Markicevic will keep Executive apprised of progress through the Joint Health and Safety Committee.
Personnel Committee Standing Report:
Paula Perez-Smith has been hired on leave replacement as YUFA’s Office Co-ordinator. She comes to us from the Attorney General’s Office.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Arthur Hilliker reported on attending meetings of the Security Advisory Safety Subcommittee, on which he sits, and speaking with its Chair, Mike Markicevic. Any proposal of a safety audit would have to go through Employee Relations and may take a while to get to the Security Committee. We discussed working with other unions on campus to address safety issues, and featuring the topic in Active Voice (Reactivated). A. Hilliker and Scott Forsyth continue to follow up with Chairs with respect to workload documents and the new Collective Agreement.
Vice President Internal – Joan Allen
Joan Allen reported on the upcoming New Faculty Lunches, for which she and Communications Officer Louise Ripley telephoned 125 members each. We are anticipating a good turnout. Elections for YUFA Officer positions will be advertised on 16 November.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
Livy Visano reported that Acadia University is on strike. Louise Ripley, one of YUFA’s CAUT Defense Fund Trustees travelled there on 4-5 October bringing financial and moral support from YUFA, as is our custom. Another Strike Support Visit was held on 11-12 and YUFA’s Recording Secretary Kym Bird filled in for Louise, bringing our second cheque.
Livy Visano will be attending OCUFA meetings in October. YUFA is being asked to collaborate more with teachers in Toronto in the Education Action Toronto project, and the “Fair Trade Café.” We have asked for requests for assistance in writing.
Chief Stewards – Penni Stewart & Walter Whiteley
The Chief Stewards reported that the David Noble decision has been handed down. The decision was very favourable to YUFA and Academic Freedom. Click here for more info.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Joy Mannette
The Equity Caucus has called a meeting, the agenda to include: discussion of the Equity Audit planned at JCOAA Task Force on Inclusivity; workload and how it is affecting equity groups; recruitment of new members; future bargaining issues, and meetings of the various equity caucuses. The Equity Officers helped the Faculty of Education steward with calling a meeting regarding workload.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
Louise Ripley thanked YUFA staff for a particularly fine effort in soliciting excellent attendance at the Annual General Meeting in October. Louise Ripley has joined the YUFA Joint Health & Safety Committee, with a particular purpose of being able to report directly to members the efforts that are being made to make our campus a healthier and safer place to work and live.
Treasurer – Mary Kandiuk
Mary Kandiuk has been involved in interviewing and hiring for the new staff position. Mary Kandiuk presented the budget at the Annual General Meeting.
JCOAA Standing Report – Scott Forsyth
The committee has been meeting monthly this term and subcommittees have been active, especially the Long Range Planning Committee. Half of each JCOAA meeting is devoted to Long Range Planning, focusing on issues of restructuring, particularly with respect to the 1 November deadline for units to define their structures in the new Faculty.
The Benefits Subcommittee has been active around retirees and Long Term Disability and has been effective in having the Employer acknowledge our perspectives.
The Taskforce on Inclusivity and Diversity has had members named from both sides; we anticipate making progress on this.
Several issues from bargaining have required interpretations, for example, Irrevocable Reduced Load, which may require further discussion between the parties. Workload has taken up a lot of time. YUFA has hosted a number of lunches in the Spring and Fall with department Chairs. One difficult area for Deans in reducing teaching loads is the inclusion of Alternate Stream members.
ARFL Standing Report – Alex Murray
Alex Murray reported on meeting with President Shoukri, V.P. Academic Sheila Embleton, and head of Employee Relations, Barry Miller. ARFL expressed their view of themselves as continuing members of the community and how they might contribute, including the need for more fairness and uniformity. Alex Murray reported that the President appeared interested in submissions from ARFL and suggested further meetings.
Order of the Day
Executive responded to the excellent report submitted by Jan Kainer and Richard Wellen, Trustees appointed for the purpose of filing the Trustees’ Annual Report 2006.
Specific Responses:
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Course Releases for Union Officers – The Executive has agreed that normally course releases should be taken as course release rather than as cash stipend, and that who received what in release time in a given year should be public information. Indeed Executive had earlier last year passed such a motion.
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Approaches to Awarding Release Time for Officers and Committees
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In the past, we have awarded stipends and release time on an ad hoc basis, enabling us to meet needs in particular areas, but taking the Trustees’ recommendations seriously, we will try to establish a standardized release time policy. We try to work against an appearance of an “insider cult.” We realize that we do not have wide-spread participation but it is not for lack of trying to recruit new YUFA members into YUFA positions. Elections are announced on YUFA-M and on the Website and well as coming to each member’s mailbox. If there are any members out there who want to work for YUFA but feel they would not be welcomed, please contact us!
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We have established a Compensation Committee to look at practices, but we must respect the Constitution.
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We agree with the sentiment of the recommendation regarding not accruing course releases with the caveat of “normally”. Usually exceptions occur in a bargaining year.
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We agree with the sentiment of the recommendation regarding not accruing course releases with the caveat of “normally. Usually exceptions occur in a bargaining year.
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Communications and Consultations with Members
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The Communications Officer has already established an Advisory Board to assist in this recommendation. This is a group of YUFA members, including the Chief Stewards, who have volunteered to advise the Communications Officer on communications issues. The October issue of Active Voice (Reactivated) stated that we would like an additional YUFA member on this Board, not currently involved in any other YUFA activity, in other words, not an insider. If you are interested, please email the Communications Officer at lripley@yorku.ca with a statement of interest.
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Trustees’ Annual Report
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Executive intends to continue the practice of a Trustees’ Annual Report and at the Annual General Meeting appointed two new trustees.
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Timing of Annual Membership Meeting
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Executive will discuss this with the Treasurer and those dealing with the budget.
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Other Business:
YUFA Executive ratified the appointment of Simone Bohn to the Grievance Committee.
Louise Ripley reported that at the CAUT Defense Fund Board meeting in Winnipeg, strike pay was raised by $2.00 to $77.00 per day, making it one of the best strike pays in Canada.
The Annual General Meeting saw a good turnout and the barbeque was brilliant. Executive extended its thanks to Heidi Bishop and Jill Flohil for their work.
Executive moved to create a listserv for the Contractually Limited Appointment (CLA) faculty. CLAs need to note, as does every YUFA member on a YUFA sponsored listserv, that YUFA does not monitor or respond to listserv discussions, so if something arises on the listserv that members wish YUFA to know about, members must contact YUFA directly.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Arthur Hilliker reported on several conferences coming up and YUFA voted to fund up to five members to attend the OCUFA Status of Women Committee Conference, strongly encouraging women members from equity-seeking constituencies to apply. Notice was sent to YUFA-M and the Website.
VP External Livy Visano will attend Parliament Day on YUFA’s behalf.
The FSCO appeal is on-going; a meeting of the FSCO arbitrator, the Employer, and YUFA will take place in October.
Executive Officers (A. Hilliker and L. Ripley) met with representatives of the Graduate Students’ Association and CUPE 3903 regarding concerns with respect to implementation of FGS regulations and of elimination of the summer tuition bursary program. Subsequently the Employer has brought back a small portion of the summer tuition bursary program but the other items remain. YUFA is continuing to hold discussions with the GSA and CUPE 3903 regarding graduate students’ concerns.
Executive held a lengthy discussion on Health and Safety and security. A. Hilliker went himself to see the construction, the torn protective shields, dust, etc., on the 7th floor of the Ross Building about which members have been complaining. It was as bad as has been said by YUFA members. It is took an undue amount of time in this instance for the proper dust control procedures to be implemented. Health and Safety will be the focus of the first issue of Active Voice Reactivated this Fall, and YUFA will be seeking other ways to keep members informed and seek input from members about these important issues. YUFA Executive is planning a meeting with President Shoukri, something to which we are contractually entitled each term, and Health and Safety and security are likely to be at the top of the list.
A. Hilliker reported on changes announced by the Employer concerning the York Pension Plan. New mortality tables will be employed and the non-reduction reserve will be increased from 1.5% to 3.5% of ongoing liabilities.
Arthur Hilliker and Scott Forsyth, Chief Negotiator for the 2006-09 Collective Agreement, continue to meet with Chairs about workload and the new Collective Agreement language.
The CAUT Committee of Inquiry on Governance at York University (arising from the January 2005 Vari Hall demonstration and the Employer’s response) has not yet submitted its report to CAUT. Once submitted, the CAUT Procedures in Academic Freedom Cases must be followed. CAUT has promised to keep us apprised of its progress.
Vice President Internal – Joan Allen
Joan Allen reported that we are reinstituting the New Faculty Lunches this year, now that Bargaining is over. If you were hired this year or last, watch your mailbox and check your phone messages for a notice from YUFA about this lunch. The Keele campus lunch will be held on 21 November and the Glendon one in the Winter term.
Vice President External – Livy Visano
Livy Visano reported on the Disabilities Alliance, Fair Employment Week, the Ontario Federation of Labour conference (no applications yet), and the Oral History Conference, which we will circulate to the community. Executive agreed to support the cost of two registrations to “Making the Connection” Conference, organized by York’s Centre for Research on Work and Society.
Chief Stewards – Penni Stewart & Walter Whiteley
The Chief Stewards reported that it has NOT been a quiet summer. We are awaiting Arbitrator Goodfellow’s report on the Nobel Academic Freedom arbitration.
Executive approved the appointment to the Contract & Grievance Committee of Professor Susie Young from the Faculty of Environmental Studies, the appointment to the Dispute Resolution Committee of Paul Craven as Co-Chair and Leslie Sanders and Jan Rehner as YUFA's representatives, and approved a change to YUFA’s By-laws to list a number of new stewards to which units are entitled, reflecting growth in a number of units.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
Louise Ripley reported that work is progressing on the YUFA Handbook, thanks to Kathy Bischoping and Jill Flohil.
We received several letters of thanks from Bishop’s University union for Non-Academic Staff, Faculty, Contract Faculty and Librarians for our moral and financial support during their strike this summer. A round of thanks was voted for the Communications Officer’s participation in two strike support visits this summer as a member of the CAUT Defense Fund, but L. Ripley maintains that the pleasure was all hers.
Following the recommendations of the Trustees’ Report, the Communications Officer has established an advisory communications group. We hope to have a regular short posting in the News and Events section of the Website with very short notices sent out on YUFA-M.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Joy Mannette
The Equity Caucus is tailoring its work now toward the next round of negotiations. Executive gave general approval to the idea of having representatives from the Canadian Coalition of Academics of Colour work with us on these issues.
ARFL Standing Report – Alex Murray
Alex Murray spoke about ARFL’s investigation into ageism regarding and graduate supervision. They also have a meeting scheduled with the new President.
Other Business:
Executive approved the Trustees’ Annual Report and will respond to it at a future meeting. Executive extended thanks to Jan Kainer and Richard Wellen for performing this work.
Executive approved the Officers’ Workplan for 2007-08.
The Anomalies Exercise and a Pay Equity Recapture will begin in September.
2006-2007
by Louise Ripley, Communications Officer
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September
2006
President – Arthur Hilliker
The President said goodbye to and sincerely thanked Susan Dimock and John Bell who are leaving YUFA Executive. He reported that we are still waiting on results in the FSCO case. Arthur Hilliker has been continuing with the workload meetings with members, targeting those with a 3.0 workload. We now are contemplating targeting those units with a 2.5 workload and apprising them of the Collective Agreement Article 18.14 Committee, which will continue. Units need to recognize that the most important argument for decreasing teaching load is research. Legal fees have been very high lately. This is not meant to inhibit appropriate union activities, but members do need to be aware that a large amount of money is spent here. YUFA, continually aware of security issues, has requested that security mirrors be placed in the hallways outside the YUFA offices.
Vice President Internal – Joan Allen
Joan Allen reported on internal staff issues. She also noted that we need to put out a call for Stewards on YUFA-M. We voted to reappoint Michael Wharton and Maura Matesic to the CAUT Defense Fund and to appoint Louise Ripley, a member of the board a number of years ago, to join again as the third member.
Vice President External – Susan Dimock
Susan Dimock reported that Geoffrey Reaume will serve on the Task Force on Diversity and Inclusivity, along with Didi Khayatt, Frances Latchford, and herself. Executive moved to endorse the nomination of Joanne Chumakov as a member-at-large to the OUCFA Executive.
Chief Stewards – Penni Stewart & John Bell
The Chief Stewards reported on ongoing grievances.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
We will once again be providing the YUFA Handbook, a FAQ-based booklet that tries to answer faculty members’ / librarians’ most often asked questions about the Collective Agreement in plain, ordinary English. Jill Flohil, YUFA Executive Associate, and Kathy Bischoping, Professor of Sociology, are handling this massive job.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Joy Mannette
Didi Khayatt has been appointed to the Joint Committee on the Administration of the Agreement, and has recruited the Chair for the Disabilities Committee, Geoffrey Reaume, to be part of the subcommittee that will be conducting the audit of the University, mandated by the new Collective Agreement.
Didi Khayatt attended the Race Equity Committee meeting of 16 April 2007 and reported on four major concerns:
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How do we move Equity beyond faculty hiring to engender a climate of equity at York University?
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What happens to Affirmative Action reports that are negative?
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How is the Federal Contractors Legislation applied at York University?
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How do we prevent the bureaucratization of equity?
ARF Standing Report – Alex Murray
Alex Murray reported that the Annual Pension Meeting was held and attended by only thirty people. Terisa Dusharme did a good job of explaining the FSCO issue and spoke of a “50 million dollar” liability if the University loses. Alex Murray explained that this money will not have to be found right away. Alex Murray also reported on discrepancies between the Benefits Booklet and the University plan, and discussions that have been initiated to deal with these. ARF has written a letter welcoming the new president, and he has responded. A meeting will be arranged between ARF and the president.
Other Business:
Several names were discussed for the CAUT Distinguished Academic Award.
President – Arthur Hilliker
The President reported that the VP External will be resigning as of 31 May 2007, due to teaching needs in her department. Arthur Hilliker thanked Susan Dimock for her service this year. He reported that Scott Forsyth has agreed to replace Susan Dimock as Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on the Administration of the Agreement (JCOAA).
The President also reported on changes the Employer has introduced that make it possible for YUFA members to now use the Guaranteed Housing Loan Plan (Article 26.11); it no longer has a salary base cap, which before was too low for YUFA members to qualify. The maximum has also been increased to $165,000 and can be used for purchase or renovation. This took effect 1 April 2007. Both the new language and the old will be in the Collective Agreement.
In a follow-up on Collective Bargaining, Arthur Hilliker and Scott Forsyth ( Chief Negotiator 2006 / 07) are meeting with Chairs and units regarding implementation of the new workload provisions in the 2006-2009 Collective Agreement. They will also be meeting with Barry Miller, Executive Director, Employee Relations, to discuss the reduction from 3.0 to 2.5 course load.
Executive voted to establish a formal statement that “course release” for service as a YUFA Officer will, in the future, normally be taken as release time and not as a cash stipend in lieu of release time. Executive established one course release as approximately equal to nine hours per week of work and stipulated that in the event of an exceptional request of a stipend in lieu of release time, or additional course release over the budgeted course release, the request will be heard by a Compensation Committee which will be comprised of the President, the Treasurer, and one other member of the Executive Committee (this year to be VP Internal Joan Allen), with the two other members of that committee empowered to select a third member from Executive if one of them needs to make such a request.
Executive voted to ask Eckler, an actuarial consulting firm, to review provisions of the Pension Plan.
Executive voted to seek nominations for the position of Chief Steward (2 years) and Vice President External (1 year).
Vice President Internal – Joan Allen
The VP Internal received a letter from J. Hattiangadi of Calumet College regarding the taking over of College space by the Employer. Joan Allen will look into the matter to find whether the document that created the Colleges has any rules about what Colleges must be able to provide for the students they serve.
Chief Stewards – Penni Stewart & John Bell
The Chief Stewards reported that there will be a retreat on 19 April which they hope will be both enjoyable and productive. They also reported on having settled several grievances and have received several requests for information from the Employer.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
The Communications Officer announced the reactivation of the union’s former print newsletter to members, Active Voice, now temporarily named Active Voice Reactivated (AVR), ready to go online and out in print as soon as one more photo permission is obtained. Louise Ripley made the point that it is a major goal in her Workplan to improve communication between YUFA and its members, particularly to provide a way for YUFA members to communicate with YUFA.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Joy Mannette
Didi Khayatt has been appointed to the Joint Committee on the Administration of the Agreement.
Didi Khayatt led a grievance against President Lorna Marsden regarding the Education Decanal search committee on which Lorna Marsden served both as member and as the person to whom the search committee reported. The grievance succeeded in getting the search declared ‘failed’.
Treasurer – Mary Kandiuk
The Treasurer proposed the budget for 2007-2008 and the year-to-date figures for 2006-2007, the latter being an approximation. We had a deficit for the past year but will be able to transfer some of our interest to cover the deficit. Many of our expenses are going up but it is possible that savings can be made in course releases. We have increased legal and arbitration costs, as well the cost of printing the Collective Agreement and upcoming costs for printing the Handbook. Executive may need to consider limiting the number of delegates it sends to conferences as we have done in the past. Executive approved the budget and the year-to-date figures.
Order of the Day: 4 April 2007:
Executive met with members of the 1 July 2006 Retirees Cohort to discuss, and ultimately approve, moving the grievance regarding their forced retirement to arbitration.
Other Business:
Critical Times: A question arose from the Stewards’ Representatives about whether discussion had taken place regarding Critical Times which Stewards’ Council had requested happen at YUFA Executive. It had, but we had another brief discussion as well. The Communications Officer pointed out first, that it had been said when this issue first arose in Fall of 2005, that before Executive dealt with Critical Times again, the problems cited in the Fall of 2005 had to be shown to have been resolved (liability / failure to print material from differing points of view, lack of union-friendliness), and this is not the case. Second, one of the major reasons cited for YUFA’s possibly getting involved again in Critical Times was in order for members to have a place to have their voices heard, and that need will now be met by Active Voice Reactivated. It was pointed out that CUPE 3909 has now withdrawn its support of Critical Times as well.
CAUT Librarians’ Conference and Workshop: Executive voted to send the President, Treasurer (a Librarian), one additional Librarian, and a YUFA staff person to this conference, titled, “Moving Forward: Academic Librarians and Collective Bargaining.”
CAUT Distinguished Academic Award: It was agreed to put this out on YUFA-M, and that Executive members should consider putting someone forward, particularly someone with significant YUFA service.
President – Arthur Hilliker
The President has been in correspondence with Leslie Sanders of APPC regarding restructuring and the provisions under the Collective Agreement. He and VP External Susan Dimock attended APPC’s meeting of 15 March on restructuring.
We are still waiting for the FSCO decision. Once it has been made, we will have several options before us and can start to discuss the Pension Plan with the Employer.
YUFA has still not heard anything from CAUT regarding the 20 February 2005 Vari Hall incident and the rustication of a student. CAUT needs time to go through its proper procedures.
Vice President Internal – Joan Allen
We will need a replacement for Chief Steward John Bell, whose term ends 1 June 2007. The person should have experience on Grievance and in Bargaining.
The Administration retracted the use of Online Teaching Evaluations after members raised a number of issues including unfair evaluations of professors who do not conform to the norm, a greater proportion of students who love and students who hate a professor filling them out, and the potential for students filling them out while not in a sober state.
The VP Internal, and others, attended on the CAUT Women’s Conference; please check the online report.
Generally these reports speak of how women tend to start with low salary expectations, the barriers women experience to job advancement, and the demands placed on women to both perform their academic duties and engage in activism.
We will be soliciting delegates to the Toronto and York Region Labour Council Council.
The VP Internal has been working with the Community Projects Committee and as liaison with PEACH (Promoting Economic and Community Health) in the Jane-Finch area.
Vice President External – Susan Dimock
VP External Susan Dimock met with JCOAA (the Joint Committee on the Administration of the Agreement), with 40 active items open (JCOAA did not meet while Bargaining was going on).
The first Long Range Planning Committee meeting, a joint venture between YUFA and the Employer, has been held.
Executive voted to send President Arthur Hilliker to the CAUT conference on Contract Academic Staff in Alberta.
Chief Stewards – John Bell & Penni Stewart
The Chief Stewards will, along with the Communications Officer, be preparing a grievance and arbitration update for members in the next few months.
The Chief Stewards warn members to be careful that workload documents, prepared for facilitating reduction of teaching load, are not used for purposes for which they were not intended.
The 2006 retiree cohort has asked for a meeting of Executive to discuss the issue or arbitrating the grievance filed on their behalf regarding their forced retirement on 1 July 2006.
The Academic Freedom arbitration is moving to a close and to the decision stage.
JCOAA has sent back to the Grievance Committee the fact that President Lorna Marsden is chairing decanal search committees which in turn make recommendations to her. Executive will be bringing forth a policy grievance in this area.
Regarding pension calculations, we have a meeting planned with the Employer.
Reporting lines have been changed for College Masters, who now have a Council of Masters but will soon be reporting to Deans. We will be meeting with the Employer about this issue as well as about issues of restructuring and renovations.
The terms of two Deans have been extended. At JCOAA, VP External Susan Dimock argued that it was impossible to extend terms without seeing this as reappointment. We have agreed to come back to this issue at JCOAA, and YUFA Executive will investigate whether to bring a policy grievance in the area of the chairing of decanal committees.
Michael Mozurkewich has raised issues regarding the By-law on the Grievance Committee, which needs clarification as to whether every recommendation regarding proceeding to arbitration that goes to Executive also goes through the Grievance Committee.
We need better advertisements for members to sit on YUFA committees. [Note from your Communications Officer: if you are looking for a way to increase “Service” on your C.V. before coming up for tenure, service on YUFA committees is a respected way to do this and has the added benefit of teaching you something about your rights and privileges as a unionized faculty member / librarian].
The Stewards’ Council Retreat will be held on Thursday 19 April at 10:00 a.m. at Glendon College.
Chief Steward John Bell spoke to the need to find a replacement for him as of 1 June.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
The Communications Officer expressed the need for better communication, both ways between YUFA and its members, suggesting a resuscitation of the former Active Voice newsletter, on which she is working.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Joy Mannette
We welcomed Joy Mannette back from sick leave.
Didi Khayatt reported on the CAUT Women’s Conference.
Didi Khayatt has been attending meetings of JCOAA, and has obtained tentative agreement from two members to sit on the JCOAA audit regarding disabilities for September. Didi Khayatt led the successful grievance against President Marsden’s chairing the search committee for the Dean of Education (see Chief Stewards’ Report).
Treasurer – Mary Kandiuk
The Treasurer presented a status report on the budget, which will be ready for the Annual General Meeting.
Executive is strongly urging Officers and others who receive course releases to serve YUFA to take these as course releases rather than as pay, and the auditor strongly advises that we do so. This was her main concern in her audit of the books.
JCOAA (Joint Committee on the Administration of the Agreement) Standing Report
Executive appointed to JCOAA, effective immediately: Penni Stewart, Didi Khayatt, Joan Allen, and Scott Forsyth.
Executive appointed to JCOAA Subcommittee on Benefits, effective immediately: Ruthanna Dyer, effective 1 July: David Tanny.
Executive appointed to the Joint Task Force on Inclusivity and Diversity: Didi Khayatt and Frances Latchford.
Other Business:
Active Retirees, that is, those who still teach and who pay dues: there have been 6 or 7 active retirees who have not received communiqués about YUFA meetings and / or have had trouble voting. The Chief Returning Officer clarified that retirees who teach in a given term are eligible to vote anytime during the fiscal year in which they teach; she will look into the problems with communiqués.
President – Arthur Hilliker
Arthur Hilliker attended the reception to meet York’s President-Designate, Mamdouh Shoukri.
We received good news from the Independent Inquiry into the alleged discrimination against Dr. Kin-Yip Chun at the University of Toronto. The Board of Inquiry found in his favour, that there had been discrimination in the consistent failure to hire and / or promote him.
The CAUT Inquiry into Academic Freedom at York has been sent to the CAUT lawyers. We wrote to Jim Turk, head of CAUT, to request a rush on this matter so it may be submitted to York’s Administration before Lorna Marsden steps down as President, but it is possible that CAUT timelines may not allow for this.
Executive approved additional course release for the members of the Bargaining Team.
There will be a Labour Board hearing for CUPE, YUFA, and the Employer on the unionization drive for Research Assistants on 27 March.
Vice President External – Susan Dimock
Executive voted to support the students’ Day of Action Campaign to protest tuition raises.
Susan Dimock attended the Board meeting of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA) at which Christopher Bentley, Minister of Colleges and Universities, made a presentation in which he clarified that, in terms of graduate growth funding, the province would not pay any money over targets, but would pay for all students up to those targets. Read VP External’s Report Online.
The VP External held a YUFA caucus of the Long Range Planning Subcommittee to discuss restructuring, with particular emphasis on our responses to the recent Notice of Statutory Motion at Senate, brought to Senate by APPC, that the current Faculty of Arts and Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies be restructured.
YUFA Executive voted to donate $1,000 to the strike fund of COPE, Local 343 First Ontario Credit Union. This is one of the things that YUFA does with union money in the name of solidarity. The following is taken roughly from a letter from their labour lawyer, who makes it clear that our donation is NOT going to pay her fees:
This is a group of about 70 women in Hamilton who have been on strike for four months, ironically against a credit union which was started by unions to protect their members from the banks. Some of these women are the sole supports of their families; others are struggling to make ends meet even with their partners’ support. They are faced with an employer who wants to take back sick leave benefits, job security and retirement benefits all in the face of record profits for the credit union. The women are strong, but they need support.
In supporting their cause, YUFA joins Steelworkers, the CAW, and the Labour Councils as these brave women on the cold picket lines in Hamilton make history in the financial sector.
Vice President Internal – Joan Allen
With respect to restructuring, Executive and the YUFA caucus of the Long Range Planning Subcommittee are discussing with the Chief Stewards possible policy grievances, particularly what constitutes “consultation” between the Employer and YUFA members. Many members feel that much of the restructuring that is going on has been done without any consultation; for example, the evening programme at Atkinson being abolished without consultation.
Chief Stewards – John Bell & Penni Stewart
The Chief Stewards reported on grievances. This is one of the most confidential of all areas of union business and I cannot report more than that.
The end of the academic year is approaching and many units are electing new Stewards for the coming year. We also will be starting the process of appointing the two Stewards’ Council representatives to YUFA Executive for next year. In addition, Chief Steward John Bell’s term ends soon, and YUFA needs the services of a new Chief Steward.
With negotiations ended, JCOAA, the Joint Committee on the Administration of the Agreement is busy scheduling a series of meetings to take care of a backlog of the business handled by this Committee whose purpose is to jointly administer the Collective Agreement.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Joy Mannette
We voted to donate $500.00 to the Critical Race Studies Conference to support graduate students. This is another way YUFA uses union money, to support issues that concern us when we gather in conferences to discuss them.
Other Items:
Research Indicators: There has been considerable discussion in Executive and in other areas of YUFA regarding research indicators. It was pointed out that the Employer already has all the information it needs to judge our research activity, and that a mathematical formula in these matters is unacceptable. Under the Collective Agreement, YUFA members have a responsibility to submit their C.V.s, and YUFA will remind Senate of this; if the Employer wanted to assess us beyond the submission of C.V.s, it should have negotiated changes in the Collective Agreement, and this did not occur. The Secretariat provides a number of documents on Research Indicators.
T&P Review Committee Changes: Executive approved revisions to the Tenure and Promotion Procedures as endorsed by the Tenure and Promotion Working Group. These will be sent to the YUFA membership for ratification.
YUFA has a new staff person, Patti Chmelyk, Administrative Assistant, replacing Heidi Bishop while she replaces Monica Mulvihill who is on sabbatical leave. Patti is the owner of the cheery voice and smile that greets you if you call or come to see us at YUFA headquarters (416-736-5236; 261 HNES).
President – Arthur Hilliker
Arthur Hilliker reported regarding FSCO that we have sought advice from our lawyers and actuary respecting the final submission of the Employer and are awaiting a response.
Vice President External – Susan Dimock
The VP External reported that the CAUT Conference “Doing Academia Differently” would be advertised to YUFA members, requesting a statement of interest and a report from those who would attend. YUFA will be seeking reports from members who have attended conferences in the past and who have not yet submitted reports.
Chief Stewards – John Bell & Penni Stewart
The Chief Stewards reported on grievances.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Joy Mannette
The Equity Officers attended a meeting concerning bargaining and welcomed a new member, Professor Greyeyes.
Other Items:
YUFA agreed to provide up to $1000.00 for clerical costs in support of the Jim Iliffe Defence Fund.
Scott Forsyth, Chief Negotiator for YUFA, reported on the gruelling schedule of bargaining, most of which can be read by members in the Bargaining Updates online and posted on YUFA-M.
On 20 December 2006, Executive authorized the Bargaining Team to request a “No Board” from the Ministry of Labour.
On 16 January 2007, Executive approved the Tentative Agreement arrived at by the Bargaining Team on 13 January 2007, and approved sending an email communication to the membership announcing this. All congratulated Team members for their efforts and their successes, saying they had done “a fantastic job and that it was an excellent settlement.”
President – Arthur Hilliker
Arthur Hilliker reported on news from Senate and upcoming issues.
Vice President Internal – Joan Allen
The VP Internal attended the Centre for Support of Teaching meeting and reported that the Canadian Labour Congress met this past weekend.
Chief Stewards – John Bell & Penni Stewart
The Chief Stewards reported on grievances. It was reported that Stewards’ Council has not been well attended, quorum being difficult to establish and hold. There was considerable discussion regarding mobilization around bargaining.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Joy Mannette
At the last General Membership Meeting, a motion from the floor was passed requesting a meeting of the Bargaining Team with the Equity Officers. On 23 November that meeting took place and was informative for both sides. The committee has recruited a potential faculty member to represent the Aboriginal Council on the Equity Committee.
Treasurer – Mary Kandiuk
The draft financial statements have arrived and the Treasurer has discussed them with the auditor who is preparing her recommendation. The Treasurer also met with an insurance representative to discuss directors’ and officers’ staff and liability insurance.
ARF Standing Report
Discussion continued of the shadow pension; Arthur Hilliker will contact the YUFA lawyers regarding new submissions from the Employer.
Other Items:
Scott Forsyth, Chief Negotiator for YUFA reported on bargaining. Most of what has been reported can be read by members in the Bargaining Updates online and posted on YUFA-M.
President – Arthur Hilliker
YUFA approved course releases for the new Equity Officer and the new VP External, and increased course release for the members of the Bargaining Team who are entering their fifth month of bargaining. YUFA also approved a request regarding the Senate Tenure and Promotion Committee to increase its membership in order to facilitate completing the overwhelming amount of work that committee faces.
Executive approved the appointment of two professors to the Joint Health and Safety Committee.
VP External – Susan Dimock
(Note that functions of the VP External prior to this month have been reported in the President’s section.)
The VP External reported that, as the CAUT Bargaining Conference is largely about salary this year and we are in the depths of negotiations, we will wait until next round of negotiations to send representatives.
The VP External will attend events surrounding 6 December.
Vice President Internal – Joan Allen
The VP Internal attended meetings of various Faculty Councils, the Bargaining Mobilization Committee, Stewards’ Council, Community Projects Committee, a Personnel Committee meeting, meetings in the greater Toronto area including a Jane-Finch at-risk youth group and PEACH (Promoting Economic and Community Health), and a conference on Communities and Universities in Partnership.
Chief Stewards – John Bell & Penni Stewart
The Chief Stewards reported on grievances. Professors Leslie Sanders and Jan Rehner were appointed as YUFA representatives to the Dispute Resolution Committee.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Joy Mannette
The Equity Officers held a meeting of the Equity caucus covering bargaining issues and strategies for the 10 November Annual General Membership Meeting, and attended the AGM.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
The Communications Officer continued to report on progress on the negotiations process. In this month she also handled press enquiries about the David Noble arbitration, and filed a report on the YUFA Annual General Membership Meeting of 10 November.
Treasurer – Mary Kandiuk
The Treasurer raised concerns about course releases for YUFA work needing to be taken as intended: as course releases. It was agreed that YUFA Executive would review the philosophy of course releases and its practice and policy.
ARF Standing Report
Alex Murray has been in touch with President Arthur Hilliker regarding the FSCO issues.
Other Items:
Scott Forsyth, Chief Negotiator for YUFA, reported on bargaining. Most of what has been reported can be read by members in the online Bargaining Updates and posted to YUFA-M.
Ruthann Dyer spoke on Training on Accommodation in the Workplace, specifically on developing accommodation materials for training and increased awareness of YUFA members. It is hoped that the Stewards’ training will be done by the end of spring term. Executive expressed support for the project and gratitude to Ruthann for her work.
It was decided to send YUFA members as delegates to the Restructuring Academic Work Conference in January 2007.
It was noted that, according to Constitution 3.5 (b), YUFA must appoint two trustees to oversee YUFA business and to report yearly to the Annual General Membership Meeting and agreed that this would be done.
Three students from the York Federation of Students came to speak about their campaign to fight rising tuition costs. The students came well-prepared and presented their case well. They spoke particularly to issues of accessibility and how they could work collectively with faculty through YUFA. There was strong support from YUFA Executive and a number of members provided their contact information to the YSF team. As we ran out of time at the end of this item, we invited the students to partake of our lunch with us and ended with a pleasant time to chat and a chance to reminisce about how their predecessors had stood with us on our picket lines in the Strike of 1997.
President – Arthur Hilliker
The President reported that under Occupational Health and Safety requirements, YUFA is obligated to inspect the entire workplace and present a report. We are currently seeking volunteers for this important work. President Hilliker also reported regarding Senate that units are not being consulted regarding restructuring. As per the Collective Agreement, units per se, must be consulted as quickly as possible as set out in Article 18.27.
VP External – Susan Dimock
YUFA Executive welcomed our new VP External, Susan Dimock. The VP External attended, on Arthur Hilliker’s behalf, a meeting of the Education Coalition.
Vice President Internal – Joan Allen
The VP Internal attended the Long Range Planning discussion on Arts-Atkinson Restructuring, and consulted with some Faculty of Arts Chairs about the requested YUFA sponsored liaison meetings. She introduced YUFA issues at the Atkinson New Faculty Orientation with Arthur Hilliker and Jill Flohil, met with Atkinson women faculty about low salaries, attended a Communities and Universities in Partnership Conference, and joined the Jane-Finch Community Group dealing with issues such as educational barriers.
Chief Stewards – John Bell & Penni Stewart
John Bell noted the serious implications for the workload of YUFA members of the Employer’s decision to cease posting tutorials for CUPE 3903 Unit 2 members. He and Penni Stewart reported on the academic freedom arbitration in the news, and on other grievances. It was agreed that YUFA will file a policy grievance with respect to the destruction of a significant portion of the Slide Library in Fine Arts.
Equity Officers – Didi Khayatt & Joy Mannette
The Race Equity Caucus met and a letter was drafted regarding the Affirmative Action climate at York. The Officers are recruiting YUFA members who may be interested in becoming members of the Equity Caucus.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
The Communications Officer continues to report on progress regarding the negotiations process.
Treasurer – Mary Kandiuk
The committee approved the Treasurer’s 2006-2007 Budget to be presented at the 10 November 2006 Annual General Meeting.
ARF Standing Report
A document from the Association of Retired Faculty is going to FSCO; while YUFA Executive has not seen the report, our lawyers will comment on it and report to us. We are making an effort to get more regular ARF representation at YUFA Executive meetings.
Other Items:
Scott Forsyth, YUFA's Chief Negotiator, reported on bargaining. Most of what has been reported can be read by members in the Bargaining Updates posted to the Website and to YUFA-M.
Paul Grayson, Co-Chair of the Health and Safety Committee, reported in more detail on the health and safety inspections referred to above by President Arthur Hilliker.
Executive approved the appointment of VP Internal Joan Allen to sit on the Advisory Board of the Centre for the Support of Teaching.
The appointment of Eve Haque to the Equity Committee was approved.
Executive approved sending a number of YUFA members to the CLC National Labour Education Conference in Ottawa, and to a conference in Vancouver on Facilitating Return to Work and Achieving Accommodation.
President – Arthur Hilliker
The Media Practice has finally settled after 4 years. The attempt to negotiate a settlement to resolve the FSCO shadow pension issue failed and the case is now before FSCO. YUFA has put out a call for volunteers for the position of VP External, with the term to run from 1 June 2006 to 1 June 2008. The Executive regretted the lack of ARF representation at recent Executive meetings and asked the President to contact the ARF Executive on the matter.
Vice President Internal – Joan Allen
Regarding Restructuring, Atkinson members asked YUFA to arrange a meeting with other Faculties with whom they may be associated; the VP Internal will be talking with Chairs. YUFA approved monies for its share of the new CLC Building, to support the Social Justice Forum, and for members to attend several conferences. Joan Allen has agreed to sit as the Executive Member on the Bargaining Mobilization Committee.
Chief Stewards – John Bell & Penni Stewart
It was agreed that YUFA will file a policy grievance with respect to the timing and process of recalculations with regard to the Pension Plan. John Bell reported on other grievances in process. YUFA will meet with the new Deans of Health and Science.
Equity Officer – Didi Khayatt
We have a second Equity Officer, Joy Mannette, who will be joining us soon.
Communications Officer – Louise Ripley
A motion was put forward to continue support of Critical Times but was defeated, mainly on the continuing failure of the publication to provide reassurance with respect to liability given its lack of legal status as a newspaper and on the failure of the publication to live up to its promise to be an open forum for all voices.
Treasurer – Mary Kandiuk
The annual audit is being completed. The Treasurer is looking into liability insurance coverage.
Other Items:
YUFA Executive voted to support the CUPE 3903 drive to unionize Research Assistants, after hearing a presentation by their representatives, and issued a public statement to that effect.
YUFA Executive approved Walter Whiteley’s appointment to the Pension Board of Trustees and thanks him for this endeavour; pension issues are not easy.
YUFA Executive spent a good deal of time discussing Bargaining, with the Chief Negotiator and two members of the Bargaining Team present, in addition to Arthur Hilliker who as President serves as an ex-officio member of the Team. We discussed the need for a membership meeting as soon as a room and time can be found.
May 2006
April 2006
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December 2005
November 2005
October 2005
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2005
President
A. Hilliker has written to Stewards to say that YUFA’s Executive has received the Bargaining Priorities Report and that Executive will be asking Stewards' Council for their recommendations with respect to members of the Bargaining Team.
Executive approved the YUFA Primary Negotiating Position for 2006.
The Employer and YUFA have agreed to meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the upcoming negotiations. The Employer’s negotiating team will include R. Lenton, P. Axelrod, A. Karini, J. Brooks, and B. Miller.
In March, YUFA met with the Administration concerning FSCO. Apparently ignoring what YUFA said a year ago, the Administration again asked the Association to withdraw its complaint. When YUFA and the Employer met in May, the Administration said they had a legal opinion that one could not put forward a proposal that meant anything in light of YUFA’s insistence that retired YUFA members be treated according to the Association’s interpretation. The Administration says it has received three legal opinions about FSCO. YUFA will put forward a “without prejudice” proposal on June 5 to change the averaging period. YUFA will also put the claim forward to FSCO during the upcoming period of bargaining. In the meantime, The All-University Committee on Pensions has advanced some ideas for improvements, but the Employer has said it will not change the plan text in any way until the FSCO complaint is resolved.
A. Hilliker has talked to Barry Kuretsky, who recommends brain-storming session to see if there are grounds for a lawsuit concerning the July 2006 mandatory-retirement cohort. YUFA’s lawyers will hold a conference call with Kuretsky and will communicate its substance to A. Hilliker. YUFA will receive a written opinion from its lawyers.
A. Hilliker had a conference call with Harriet Lewis, Barry Miller, and Jim McDonald concerning the Employer’s proposed practice concerning the Employer's proposed practice on faculty liability in dealing with the media. The Employer will make proposals to YUFA.
Executive agreed that the proposed revision to F.3.1.2.a.vii of the Tenure and Promotion document should not be approved.
A. Hilliker will be attending the CAUT New Presidents meeting and the OCUFA Awards meeting.
Vice President Internal
YUFA’s Executive has approved, on the Personnel Committee’s recommendation, M. Mulvihill’s request for a career development leave beginning January 1, 2007.
YUFA will respond to OCUFA’s request for information concerning a potential Status of Women Committee nominee.
Vice President External
Executive agreed to provide $800 for the Conference of Faculty Association Staff.
Chief Stewards
Executive recommended that Nancy Sangiuliano serve on the Grievance Subcommittee.
YUFA’s counsel has noted an increase in administrative severity across the faculty sector. M. Mulvihill stated that people should check their personnel files periodically. Threats have been reported concerning “professional activity outside the university” (Article 18.04).
In connection with a flood in a faculty member’s office, the Administration is arguing that items bought on a grant are property of the University and will be written off, whereas items bought by an individual faculty member should be covered by the member’s home owner policy. YUFA will seek a legal opinion on this.
The Association will seek legal advice concerning the Biology liability-disclaimer form for undergraduate lab volunteers.
Executive will respond to the Social Science asbestos concern through the YUFA Caucus of the Joint Health and Safety Committee.
Equity Officers
Concerning upcoming bargaining, YUFA’s Executive agreed that it needs recommendations, principles, and language from the Equity Subcommittee. Suggestions included using for other minority groups the same method as was used for women. Also discussed were groups and percentages and using the GTA as a guide for these, as well as considering academic career opportunities for Aboriginals.
Because of other service obligations, N. Razack has resigned as Equity Officer and will be consulting with the Race Equity Caucus which will be meeting next week. The Executive thanked Narda for her hard work over the past two years.
Communications Officer
Executive agreed that a re-affirmation of YUFA’s May 2005 statement on academic freedom would be publicized if an academic trade union group advocates an academic boycott on the basis of faculty nationality.
YUFA has received the 2004-05 Activity Report for Doctors Without Borders.
Treasurer
Executive will determine what NUCAUT activities it has been supporting.
Executive agreed to raise the office equipment budget to $10,000.
M. Thomas has suggested that YUFA invest on-line. A. Hilliker will be seeking the advice of the Association’s auditor on this matter.
Changes to By-laws 5 and 6 have been received for consideration at a future meeting.
Association of Retired Faculty and Librarians
A. Murray reported responses to individual retired faculty since the May 19 FSCO letter.
President
Arthur Hilliker reported that YUFA Executive members will meet with the Administration concerning YUFA’s FSCO complaint regarding the interpretation of the pension plan text. The Association will not alter its position with respect to retirees.
Arthur Hilliker reported that he presented a letter, incorporating the suggestions made by Executive members, at the meeting of the Presidential Search Committee on April 24th. The letter has been posted at YUFA’s Website.
Executive has circulated an advisory to YUFA members concerning the possible job action by CUPE 3903.
If requested, YUFA’s President, Executive Associates, and Counsel will meet with individual members of the July1 2006 retirement cohort and their lawyers to share information.
The Employer will meet with YUFA representatives for an initial organizing meeting concerning the Renewal Collective Agreement.
Vice President Internal
YUFA Executive has approved the re-appointment of Michael Wharton, Maura Matesic, and Amin Mawani to the CAUT Defence Fund. Moved by: M. Kandiuk.
Executive has nominated Joanne Chumakov to serve on the OCUFA Executive as Member-at-Large.
Vice-President External
YUFA Executive has approved a contribution toward the legal fees of the students charged in the Vari Rotunda incident of 20 January 2005.
YUFA Executive has sent a contribution and a letter of support to the University of Prince Edward Island’s faculty association.
Chief Stewards
YUFA Executive has approved a Policy Grievance on increase in workload.
Communications Officer
YUFA’s Executive has decided to veto the publication of any statement or article that it considers puts YUFA at undue risk of a libel action. In order to make this possible, Critical Times will forward to YUFA the final draft of each issue 2 weekdays before publication.
Treasurer
YUFA Executive will submit the proposed revisions of By-laws 5 and 6 to YUFA's lawyer.
Executive approved the Treasurer investing in divided-bearing equities, subject to the approval of both the Treasurer and the incoming (2006-08) Treasurer.
President
Arthur Hilliker led a meeting-long discussion by Executive of the Contract Review Committee’s report in particular and YUFA’s bargaining position for a renewal Collective Agreement in general.
Arthur Hilliker reported that at a meeting of YUFA 18.13-14 Caucus, which has included himself, Martin Thomas, and Jay Rahn, with representatives of the Employer, the parties agreed that Article 18.14 is independent of 18.13 and relevant information on teaching loads is being compiled.
Executive discussed ‘buy-back’ of years of service and will be considered further an upcoming Executive meeting.
Arthur Hilliker reported that Joe Levy has volunteered to be the President’s designate on the York Parking and Transportation Advisory Council.
Vice President External
Joe Levy is investigating socially responsible investment (SRI) policies that have been adopted by other universities.
Equity Officers
Narda Razack and Didi Khyatt reported that more than 200 people attended the Black History Month event which YUFA supported.
YUFA’s DisAbility Caucus is mobilizing and has contacted the Bargaining Priorities Subcommittee.
Executive approved support for a conference on transgendered people and the Critical Race Conference.
As a follow-up to previous discussion in Executive, it has been confirmed that Tina Lopes is set to do two equity workshops: one for members of YUFA Executive and staff, the other for Stewards’ Council.
Communications Officer
Jay Rahn has prepared and disseminated a statement of YUFA Executive’s support for the principles of the OPSEU strike.
President
Arthur Hilliker has undertaken an anonymous poll of members due to retire July 1, 2006.
Executive approved Arthur Hilliker (ex-officio), Mary Kandiuk, Don Dippo, Jay Rahn, Brenda Spotton Visano, and Susan Dimock as YUFA’s Caucus for the Joint Long Range Planning Committee concerning the abolition of mandatory retirement.
Arthur Hilliker is preparing for Executive a document detailing YUFA’s recommendations to the Presidential Search Committee. As well, Arthur Hilliker, John Bell, and Didi Khayatt or Narda Razack will attend a meeting of the Presidential Search Committee.
Arthur Hilliker has informed the Employer that YUFA is implementing Article 14.01 (e) and has issued a call for YUFA volunteers on this Joint Committee.
Executive approved in principle, pending a report to Executive, a donation to defray legal expenses of students charged as a result of the Jan. 20, 2005 demonstration in Vari Rotunda.
Vice President Internal
Executive approved supporting CUPE 1281’s request to renew its Collective Agreement with the Association.
Vice President External
Joe Levy reported that the CAUT inquiry will report in March 2006, and he will prepare for the YUFA Website a paragraph concerning his communication with CAUT on this issue.
Chief Stewards
Executive approved up to $60 per meeting for set-up and take-down of the room booked for Stewards' Council.
Communications Officer
Jay Rahn is consulting with John Bell with regard to the YUFA Website’s FAQs concerning grievance practices.
Equity Officers
Executive approved funding for Tina Lopesto lead the Equity Committee’s diversity workshop for current and incoming Executive members April 21.
Executive approved subsidies for events concerning racism and employment, race and culture, and transgendered persons.
Communications Officer
Jay Rahn reported on his work with the Bargaining Priorities Committee on editorial revisions to the Bargaining Questionnaire.
Treasurer
Executive approved purchase of longer term bonds.
President
Past-President Susan Dimock is co-chairing the Joint Long Range Planning Committee dealing with issues concerning the abolition of mandatory retirement, including any changes to parts of the Collective Agreement that refer to ‘normal retirement date’ or the age of employees. Mandatory retirement issues also include questions concerning SRCs.
Arthur Hilliker is co-chairing a Joint Committee that is resuming deliberations on Article 18.14. Other YUFA members are Jay Rahn and Martin Thomas.
After a presentation by Paul Jay, Executive approved a donation of seed money for Independent World Television, an independent current affairs network to broadcast to Canada, the USA, and India, and eventually throughout the English-speaking world, via the Web, satellite, and cable.
Vice President Internal
Executive approved acquisition of a monitor for the new workstation in the YUFA office.
Vice President External
Executive approved a donation to the Joy Kogawa House Rescue Fund, contingent on the project’s success.
Chief Stewards
John Bell and Joan Allen raised concerns about graduate students teaching PhD-level courses.
Equity Officers
Executive directed the Bargaining Priorities Subcommittee to include language specifying gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered persons.
Association of Retired Faculty (ARF)
Alex Murray reported on a document sent to graduate programs with regard to compensation for graduate supervision.
President
Executive approved adding Ben Lowinsky to the Bargaining Priorities Subcommittee, and, subject to Stewards' Council approval, David Tanny.
Executive has decided to invite the Employer to participate in a joint task force to produce a policy on the rights and privileges of Retired YUFA Members.
Vice President Internal
In response to a request from CUPE 1281, instead of the annual luncheon for YUFA Staff, Executive will make a donation to the Daily Bread Food Bank.
Vice President External
Executive approved sending up to 10 people to the CAUT / ACPPU “Money Matters! Bargaining Total Compensation in the Post-Secondary Context” Conference, to be held in Ottawa February 3-5, 2006, and a donation to the Ontario Library Association Africa Project.
Executive directed the Association's President to protest against CAUT publicizing that YUFA has not contributed to the CAUT Academic Freedom Fund.
Chief Stewards
Executive decided that a Policy Grievance be filed concerning a newly appointed tenure-track person being provided with a Starting Salary inferior to the member’s previous salary as a CLA.
Executive agreed to proceed to arbitration with the above-mentioned Grievance and the previously filed Policy Grievance concerning the September 1 ATB and to propose to the Employer that both grievances be heard by the same arbitrator.
Executive also agreed that before providing an opinion on proceeding to arbitration in an individual grievance, YUFA's Legal Counsel will normally meet with the grievor to discuss the facts of the case.
Association of Retired Faculty and Librarians (ARF)
Executive has determined that the Bargaining Priorities Subcommittee will contact and meet with ARF regarding their bargaining priorities.
President
Executive thanked Ruthann Dyer for her excellent work as Chief Steward over her term of office.
Vice President External
Executive approved a donation to CASSA (The Council of Agencies Serving South Asians).
Chief Stewards
Executive approved Paul Craven as YUFA Co-Chair of the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) for a 2-year term, and Jan Rehner and Leslie Sanders as YUFA DRC Representatives for a 1-year term each.
Executive also approved John Bell’s appointment as Chief Steward commencing January 2006 until May 31, 2006, subject to ratification by Stewards’ Council.
Executive invited Stewards interested in serving on the Bargaining Priorities Subcommittee to send a short biography and declaration of interest for consideration by Stewards' Council with a view to liaising with the Bargaining Mobilization Committee of Stewards’ Council.
Equity Officers
Narda Razack and Didi Khayatt announced that there will be a university-wide Equity Audit.
Communications Officer
Jay Rahn has prepared the 2004-05 Survey of Bargaining Issues for distribution in hard-copy to all YUFA members with a contextualizing introduction, copied to the Employer, and marked “privileged”.
President
Arthur Hilliker welcomed incoming Vice President External Joe Levy.
YUFA has proposed, and the Employer has agreed, that there be two Joint Long-Range Planning Committees (LRPs): one for mandatory retirement and one for restructuring.
Executive approved a course release for the Past President’s 2005-06 work for YUFA on JCOAA, the Bargaining Priorities Committee, and the Joint Long-Range-Planning Committees (Mandatory Retirement and Restructuring), as well as Senate.
Vice President Internal
Executive approved a course release in 2006-07 for Kathy Bischoping to update the YUFA Handbook. Executive also approved purchase of a new laptop computer for use by the Recording Secretary and a desktop computer for Executive Officers to use when in the YUFA office.
Vice President External
Executive approved sending up to four YUFA members, including one from Equity and one from Health & Safety, to the Violence in the Workplace Conference to be held on January 20 and 21, 2006 in Toronto and to send a third person from the membership at large to the Critical Race Conference.
The Vice President External was asked to begin providing bi-weekly reports of donations under $200 (Bylaw 18.d).
Executive approved the Vice President External’s 2005-06 Work Plan.
YUFA Executive communicated to YUFA members via the YUFA Website and to CUPE 3903 its support of CUPE 3903’s efforts to reach a fair and timely settlement.
Executive approved a donation to the B.C. Teachers' Federation.
President
Executive expressed non-confidence in the Vice President External, thereby creating a vacancy in the position.
Executive approved the draft of the Executive Officers’ 2005-06 Workplan.
Executive expressed its deep concern with lack of progress on various issues between the Association and the Employer and requested that Arthur Hilliker speak to the Vice President Finance about this matter.
Jay Rahn and Martin Thomas will sit with Arthur Hilliker on the Joint Article 18.13 / 18.14 Workload Committee.
Executive approved the Benefits Subcommittee’s recommendation concerning changes to LTD.
Vice President Internal
Executive decided to send two librarians to the CAUT Librarians Committee Conference in Ottawa, October 20-22, and to fully fund the first 4 applicants to the CAUT Academic Freedom Conference, as well as registration for the remaining applicants (not to exceed 40).
Executive approved the continuation of Joanne Chumakov's appointment to the OCUFA Bargaining Committee and also approved the appointments of Mary Kandiuk and Ruthann Dyer to JCOAA and Thumeka Mgwigwi to the Equity Committee.
Vice President External
Executive decided to determine a weekly time for Executive meetings, so that weekly meetings may be scheduled when and as necessary and decided that Executive’s draft Agendas shall be posted on the Website 48 hours in advance of meetings.
Executive also decided to invite “Independent World Television” to give a short presentation to Executive.
Chief Stewards
Ruthann Dyer and Joan Allen reported that in the Foundations Grievance, YUFA has secured agreement in courses of 200 or more that the course director will be credited with an extra hour; the settlement in this grievance will not affect practices in Humanities; additional credit will be given to courses that have more than 8 TAs; college monies dedicated to Foundations will be dedicated to the Divisions for allocation.
Equity Officers
Executive approved funding for four members to attend the “Critical Race Theory & Human Rights Conference” (two from the Race Equity Caucus and two from the membership at large) and an announcement of the availability of this funding will be posted on YUFA's Website.
Didi Khayatt has drafted an invitation to members to participate in a renewed Queer Caucus. As well, a Diversity Dialogue has been proposed to enable bargaining unit members to discuss equity and diversity issues.
Communications Officer
Jay Rahn has publicized with Monica Mulvihill's assistance the 'Rocket Man' memorial team for Brett Cemer in the upcoming Terry Fox Run.
The Communications Officer conveyed to the Critical Times Editorial Collective the opinion of YUFA's lawyer concerning defamation and Executive nominated Robert MacDermid as YUFA representative on the Collective.
For the Special General Members Meeting on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, Jay Rahn and Arthur Hilliker have prepared a summary of Executive’s position with regard to Mandatory Retirement, with links to what other universities have done.
President
Arthur Hilliker thanked Marilyn Silverman for her hard work as Chief Steward. Joan Allen’s term as Chief Steward begins July 1.
Vice President Internal
Mary Kandiuk reported on the need to replace the door and keypad lock for YUFA’s office in HNES.
Vice President External
Executive decided that an additional $600.00 be made available to the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee and specified how OCAP spend the money YUFA donated at a previous meeting.
Chief Stewards
A working group consisting of Penni Stewart, Walter Whiteley, Narda Razack, and Ruthann Dyer will look at the frame of reference for the Ombudsperson vis-à-vis our Collective Agreement.
Executive decided to file a Policy Grievance regarding the Employer’s failure to ensure all normal benefits to SRCs.
The Chief Stewards also noted that Arbitrator Ken Swan recently made a decision favourable to the Ontario Hydro employees union with regard to the Employer's responsibility concerning the Ontario Health Tax.
Treasurer
Executive approved YUFA’s proposed 2005-06 Budget, subject to changes necessary for community projects and promotion expenses.
Communications Officer
Executive directed the JCOAA Co-chair annually to convey to the Communications Officer the current aggregate salary information by rank, years of service, etc. two months before the Anomalies Exercise.
Executive
Executive received the final report of the Contract Review Committee.
Susan Dimock was appointed Co-Chair of JCOAA effective July 1, 2005, and the following were appointed to the Grievance Committee: John Bell, Walter Giesbrecht, Louise Ripley.
Executive extended congratulations to Mary Kandiuk on her CAUT Academic Librarians Distinguished Service Award for her contributions in 'leadership and professionalism that have advanced the status of academic librarians at York.'
Executive decided to continue, without prejudice, to hold the Temporary Use of University Space Grievance in abeyance until the TUUS Working Group, chaired by Lorna Marsden, reports and YUFA can evaluate the report with respect to the Grievance. By copying this motion to the Director of Academic Employee Relations, Executive informed the Employer that we are prepared to work jointly toward the resolution of issues raised as a basis for the CAUT inquiry in various ways appropriate to, and referenced within, the Collective Agreement. Executive also determined to report progress jointly to the CAUT investigative team during its working term; to refrain from interference with, or constraints on, the work of the CAUT inquiry other than as outlined here. Executive also decided that except in extraordinary circumstances, Executive members and staff avoid meeting with the Employer’s representative one-on-one, and that confidentiality in YUFA’s Executive be defined as it is in Appendix Q of our Collective Agreement.
Concerning the CAUT inquiry, Eric Neustadt, President of the Graduate Students Association reminded Executive of the history of support between YUFA and the GSA and called for a re-affirmation of YUFA’s on-going support for the CAUT inquiry. As well, Professor Ricardo Grinspun expressed concerns about governance and the right to speak freely at the university.
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
June 2004
Vice President External
Executive has allocated support for the 2005-06 budget year as part of its ongoing commitment to the Jane-Finch Special Projects Committee.
In light of recent resolutions passed by the British Association of University Teachers and recent communication by our members, Executive has issued a statement that YUFA unequivocally supports the unimpeded exchange of ideas among academics regardless of the policies of their governments and that the Association emphatically supports the right of all members of the academic community to communicate freely on issues related to their professional work.
Chief Stewards
Concerning YUFA’s grievance concerning the temporary use of university space, Arthur Hilliker has emphasized that the Association's position is that the presidential regulations were not followed with regard to the rustication of Freeman-Maloy and the calling of police on Jan. 20.
Executive has approved filing a policy grievance concerning the Frame of Reference of the Ombudsperson and the Centre for Human Rights and Equity (App. Q.4).
Executive has resolved that meetings with the Employer on governance issues, for which grievances have been filed, be ended.
Equity Officers
Pending ratification by the Stewards' Council, Executive has approved Geoffrey Reaume’s appointment to the Equity Committee.
Communications Officer
Jay Rahn has reported that the CAUT Committee investigating freedom of expression and related governance issues at York will be issuing a notice to several organizations, including YUFA, to publicize its invitation to members of the York community to meet with the Committee. In the meantime, YUFA Executive should feel free to let members of the York community know how to contact the Committee.
Jay Rahn, Arthur Hilliker and Nick Lary are planning to discuss YUFA’s potential liability with regard to Critical Times this summer.
Association of Retired Faculty and Librarians (ARF)
Executive has approved for ARF’s General Meeting a statement prepared by Alex Murray concerning pensions.
President
Arthur Hilliker has prepared a response on issues in the Rae Report.
Vice President Internal
To enhance security and safety of YUFA’s staff, a camera and intercom has been approved for 261 HNES, the YUFA suite of offices.
Vice President External
Jay Rahn and Arthur Hilliker attended a meeting with the MPP for York University’s riding; unfortunately, the MPP was not present.
An additional donation has been made to OCAP for its “Raise the Rates” campaign to restore adequate funding to people on social assistance. This donation is directed to the Chinese Language Clinic (cf. Bylaw 18.a).
Nick Lary has prepared a letter to protest graduate teaching assistants not being allowed to unionize in the United States.
Chief Stewards
Marilyn Silverman has prepared for YUFA’s Website an account of the Association’s current practices with regard to complaints and grievances.
Marilyn Silverman and Jay Rahn have agreed to serve on the Joint Committee regarding Articles 18.13-14.
Executive has decided to hold the Temporary Use of Space grievance in abeyance with the understanding it will remain open for discussion at JCOAA, and that YUFA be provided with the original policy prior to August 2004.
Executive has also decided that in order to ensure that YUFA has a timely, coordinated, and effective response, the Association’s President shall manage and co-ordinate YUFA’s efforts and actions concerning York’s Ombudsperson.
Louise Ripley has been appointed to the Grievance Committee.
Equity Officers
Didi Khayatt has prepared a letter, approved by Executive, signed by YUFA’s President, and sent to the Ontario Federation of Labour supporting the principles of childcare and urging the government to deliver on its commitment and support the OFL campaign.
Narda Razack, Didi Khayatt, and Brenda Spotton-Visano hosted an Equity meeting with YUFA’s Contract Review Committee.
The Equity Committee is organizing two seminar groups with full-time and new faculty / librarians.
Treasurer
A working group consisting of Martin Thomas, Jay Rahn, and Kym Bird is developing changes to YUFA’s bylaws (e.g., 5 and 6) concerning the Association’s finances.
President
Arthur Hilliker reported that CAUT Executive has passed a motion that it
set up a committee of inquiry to investigate issues respecting free
speech and governance at York. YUFA Executive approved a motion that any
transfer of funds between accounts, or to commercial paper, require two
signatures, that of the Treasurer and the President or the President’s
delegate.
Vice President Internal
Mary Kandiuk
reported that 25 new hires attended the Mar. 3 new faculty lunch, which
included a presentation by the Contract Review Committee. YUFA Executive
approved Raju Das and Serban Dinca as YUFA representatives on the YUFA
Joint Health & Safety Committee.
YUFA Executive received the Contract Review Committee’s report on consultations with faculty-librarian groups since October, 2004.
Vice President External
Nick Lary
reported on the Feb. 23 OFL meeting and the Mar. 2 Equity meeting. YUFA
Executive approved $2650 for 2004-05 issues of Critical Times and $300
for the School of Social Work’s Black History Month event, and $9738 for
the Retirement Planning Centre’s 2004-05 activities.
Chief Stewards
YUFA Executive
approved a Policy Grievance concerning App. O credit for graduate
supervision. In response to a recommendation from Stewards’ Council,
YUFA Executive also approved framing a statement concerning current
practices in handling grievances within YUFA. As well, YUFA Executive
approved reconstituting the Article 18.13-14 Workload Committee with
Arthur Hilliker as co-Chair plus Marilyn Silverman and one other faculty
member or professional librarian as YUFA members.
Equity Officers
Narda Razack
reported on the OFL meeting concerning child care and Bill 118 (Access
for Ontarians with Disabilities Act).
Communications Officer
Jay Rahn
reported that letters from faculty associations of McMaster University
and the University of Toronto to President Marsden concerning the
Administration’s response to the Jan. 20 demonstration have been posted
at the YUFA Website.
Treasurer
Martin Thomas
presented a draft proposal to revise Bylaws 5 and 6 with regard to
management of YUFA’s assets, as well as a summary of the changes that
would result.
Association of Retired Faculty and Librarians
YUFA Executive
received figures Mort Abramson has compiled concerning the effect a
‘shadow pension’ would have.
President
Arthur Hilliker reported that he is now YUFA’s representative on the
All-University Pension Committee. YUFA Executive passed the following
motions: that YUFA Executive deplores the Administration’s restriction
on, and suppression of, free speech at York; that YUFA Executive calls
on the Administration to respect public, common space at York; that YUFA
Executive calls for the Administration to rescind the Temporary Use of
University Space Policy; that YUFA Executive calls on CAUT Executive to
help us support and promote freedom of expression and academic freedom
at York. Arthur Hilliker reported that the expedited arbitration of the
18.27 has established the right of units to participate in the planning
process of a potential health-related Faculty and any restructuring that
might result.
Vice President Internal
In response to
workload concerns YUFA’s CUPE 1281 Executive Associates, YUFA Executive
directed the Contract Review Committee to propose a change in the
Appendix K letter, so that only those who have offers be invited to call
the YUFA office.
Vice President External
YUFA Executive
approved support of the Call for Action from the Pay Equity Network to
the Federal Government. YUFA Executive approved a letter to OCUFA
Executive concerning the Administration’s response to Jan. 20
demonstration and a letter to CAUT Executive requesting an investigation
into the repression of free speech and problems of governance at York.
Chief Stewards
YUFA Executive
approved a Policy Grievance concerning the Administration’s Temporary Use
of University Space Policy. YUFA Executive also directed President
Hilliker to send the Stewards' Council’s statement concerning the Jan. 20
incident in a letter to President Marsden. YUFA Executive further
approved electronic voting between YUFA Executive meetings.
Equity Officers
YUFA Executive
approved Narda Razack’s responsibility for child care issues, e.g., with
regard to Bill 118.
Communications Officer
YUFA Executive
approved release of aggregate information concerning YUFA members
teaching near Vari Hall Rotunda during the Jan. 20 protest to Pat
Bradshaw. Chair of Senate. YUFA Executive also approved posting the
faculty petition concerning the Jan. 20 incident to YUFA-M and the YUFA
Website.
Association of Retired
Faculty and Librarians
YUFA Executive
approved Suzie Young as YUFA's representative on the Retirement Board.
ARF has identified several issues for the Contract Review Committee.
Alex Murray reported that Donald Pelletier will replace Luigi Bianchi on
the YUFA Benefits Trust.
President
Arthur Hilliker met with Fiona Crean, President Marsden’s new Ombudperson.
Hilliker reported on the Ontario Federation of Labour’s Small Affiliates
Board Meeting. Current OFL initiatives involve the Ontario Labour
Relations Act. the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, accessibility in
post-secondary education, child care, and the Leonard Peltier Defence
Committee Canada.
Vice President Internal
Mary Kandiuk
reported that were were 70 and 58 recent hires at YUFA’s new faculty
lunches in, respectively, December and January. YUFA’s CUPE 1281 staff
members are concerned about security in the YUFA office.
Vice President External
In response to
the recent tsunami disaster, YUFA Executive approved $5000 for Doctors
Without Borders. YUFA Executive also approved continuation of YUFA’s
financial support of Critical Times and recommended that the newspaper
print its terms of acceptance, review and publication.
Chief Stewards
Marilyn
Silverman and Ruthann Dyer reported that YUFA is currently processing 35
grievances. In its continuing effort to deal with the workload of
faculty members,
YUFA Executive approved
reconstituting the Workload Committee and asking the Employer for a
meeting of the Joint Committee.
Equity Officers
YUFA Executive approved Peter Cole to be a member of the Equity
Committee. Narda
Razack reported that the Equity Committee is considering reviving the
Queer Caucus and finding ways of incorporating LGBTQ (lesbian, gay,
bi-sexual, transgendered, and queer) concerns in YUFA’s Affirmative
Action provisions.
Communications Officer
Jay Rahn has
submitted to the Chief Stewards revised hard copy of the Booklet for
Units for possible revisions. A PowerPoint file outlining the new Tenure
& Promotion procedures has been posted at the YUFA Website.
Treasurer
YUFA Executive
has received the auditor’s report for 2004.
Association for Retired Faculty and Librarians
YUFA Executive
approved Donald Pelletier as YUFA’s nominee for the pre-retiree position
on the YUFA Trust and ARF Executive.
Chief Stewards
YUFA’s Executive unanimously approved filing a Policy Grievance concerning the proposed restructuring of Arts, Atkinson, and Science & Engineering.
President
Arthur Hilliker reported that recurrent concerns at his meetings with
units have been increasing workload and the ending of mandatory
retirement. President Hilliker has also committed himself to attend
Faculty T&P meetings in YUFA’s behalf. The Rae Commission Working
Group’s points were discussed at YUFA’s Annual General Meeting, and
Hilliker has drafted an
open letter based on the consensus of this discussion, including the
need to support international and non-traditional students. He also
conveyed a member’s written submission concerning the rumoured
restructuring of Arts, Atkinson, and Science & Engineering.
Vice President
Internal
As Executive representative
on the Contract Review Committee, Mary Kandiuk has met with Chairs of
Atkinson as well as YUFA’s JCOAA Caucus and Stewards' Council. A
recurrent issue raised in these meetings has been the proposed creation
of a Health and Human Development Faculty and an associated
restructuring of Arts, Atkinson, and Science & Engineering.
Vice President
External
Nick Lary reported Barbara
Cameron’s concern that CAUT is becoming increasingly centralized. As a
result, Executive approved a detailed resolution for Vice President Lary
to present at the next CAUT Council meeting. Lary also arranged for
Matthew Hayes, Graduate Students Association Senator, to meet with
YUFA’s Executive to consider issues of interest to both organizations.
Chief Stewards
Executive approved Penni
Stewart and Keith Aldridge as nominees to YUFA’s Dispute Resolution
Committee. Currently, the Chief Stewards are working on more than 30
complaints and grievances.
Equity Officers
Didi Khayatt and Narda
Razack have met with Affirmative Action Officer Carl James concerning
plans and strategies for bargaining. Work on developing an Equity Audit
or Employment Equity Status Review has resulted in a proposal and, from
the Race Equity Caucus, several issues for bargaining. To be determined
is a set of goals for the audit / review.
President
Arthur Hilliker’s Rae Commission Working Group has developed YUFA’s
response. In particular, the Working Group believes it is socially
responsible for YUFA to argue against an income contingent program.
Vice President
Internal
Mary Kandiuk’s New Members Working Group is organizing even more events
than last year. These include sessions on the Keele campus for faculty
members and professional librarians who have joined YUFA since July 2003
and for untenured Glendon faculty and librarians.
Vice President
External
Nick Lary will be taking resolutions on behalf of YUFA to OCUFA’s
upcoming conference. One resolution commends the Ontario Federation of
Labour’s stands on quality, accessibility and student fees in
post-secondary education. The other calls on Ontario university
administrations to add to their
concern for institutional autonomy a concern for open and transparent
accountability – both internally and externally.
Chief Stewards
A report on current
grievances was given.
Special Guest
Brenda Spotton Visano has
provided Executive with a formal status report on the activities of the
Contract Review Committee, which has been established to assess what
worked and what did not during the last round of bargaining.
President
Arthur Hilliker is preparing a statement on mandatory retirement for
Executive approval. In particular, university professors should not be
exempted from the abolition of mandatory retirement, for it is a human
rights issue and it would be a mistake to deny faculty a right that
would be extended to others.
Vice President
Internal
Mary Kandiuk proposed, and
Executive has approved, Jill Flohil’s move into the vacant full-time
permanent staff position as an Executive Associate.
Chief Stewards
Ruthann Dyer and Marilyn Silverman are preparing a letter for Senate, to
be approved by Executive, concerning teaching evaluations in instances
where a student has been accused of academic dishonesty.
Communications
Officer
Jay Rahn has prepared a
Booklet for Academic Units and Library Branches to serve as a follow-up
to President Hilliker’s meetings with departments, schools etc.
Treasurer
Martin Thomas
is looking into the
possibility of developing a
contingency or reserve fund.
Association for
Retired Faculty and Librarians Representative
Peter Harries-Jones reported that ARF will soon present a report on
activities of retirees and a position concerning post-retirement
benefits.
President
President Arthur Hilliker established the
practice of Executive members submitting written reports before each
meeting. Individual Executive members submitted and discussed their draft
work plans for 2004-05. Executive agreed to support in principle
contracting a second-opinion, outside assessment of asbestos prior to YUFA
members and staff moving into the HNES building.
Vice President
Internal
Vice President Internal Mary
Kandiuk reported on her work in preparing the CAUT Librarians’ Salary
Survey. Executive approved Joanne Chumakov’s nomination to the OCUFA
Collective Bargaining Committee.
Vice President
External Nick Lary
Vice President External Nick
Lary reported on discussions he had with the Toronto and York Region
Labour Council concerning the Freeman-Maloy case. Executive approved
sponsorship of a camper for the UpFront Theatre’s Summer Camp, July 5 to
August 27.
Chief Stewards
Marilyn Silverman and Ruthann
Dyer reported successful resolution of the policy grievance concerning
sabbatical credit for YUFA faculty who had belonged to CUPE 3903.
Equity Officers
Narda Razack and Didi Khayatt
reported on the Wilfrid Laurier conference, in particular on the prospect of Equity
mentoring for new faculty / librarians at York.
Treasurer
Martin Thomas reported on his
initial review of YUFA’s budget: in particular, the Defence,
Arbitration, and Operating Funds.
March 2004
February 2004
December 2003
November 2003
October 2003
September 2003
June 2003
May 2003
April 2003
March 2003
February 2003
January 2003
3 March 2004
Vice
President
Vice
President Internal Jay Rahn will ask York’s President to give a promised
report on the procedures of the Controversial Speakers Policy.
York Vice-President Brewer’s communication to the York community about procedures in the event of a strike of Seneca College faculty members raised some questions about Senate’s roles in determining procedures in work disruptions. The questions included the determination of the duties of YUFA members in joint Seneca-York programs in the event of the strike and the lack of consultation with York Senate.
Vice
President External
The
Executive passed a motion to contribute $500 in support of the March 8-21
2004 Coalition Events organized by the Centre for Race and Ethnic
Relations, York University and the Office of the Advisor to the University
on the Status of Women, York University.
Equity Officer’s Report
Equity
Officer Narda Razack reported that the Equity Committee will hold an
Equity Forum on May 11, 2004. The
report of the Task Force on Inclusiveness and Diversity along with other
reports relevant to equity will be discussed. It is hoped that Departmental Affirmative Action Representatives,
YUFA Executive members, YUFA Stewards and JCOAA members will attend along
with others in the University Community. Further topics to be discussed will include the equity audit,
T&P issues and Affirmative Action Policies. The current planning is for a three hour meeting.
The Equity Committee continues to recruit new members.
Communications Officer
Robert MacDermid reported on the updating of the members’ handbook.
ARF
Standing Report
The representative of the Association of Retired
Faculty, Alex Murray, reported
that
ARF has
noted many discrepancies between the official Pension Plan text and the
Retirements Benefits Booklet issued by Human Resources and Employee
Relations. These
discrepancies will be brought forward to the Joint Committee on the
Administration of the Agreement.
Alex also reported that spousal pension issues are being discussed by the All University Pension Committee and that the University is no longer considering an ad hoc adjustment to mortality tables for pensions.
4 February 2004
President
YUFA President Susan Dimock reported on the Pay Equity Recapture
Exercise which is now complete for faculty but not for librarians. The sum of $41,433 is available.
For those individuals receiving a pay increase as a result of the
exercise, the pay increase will begin in the February pay and a lump sum
retroactive payment will be made in March The YUFA Executive passed a
motion thanking Brenda Spotton Visano and Diane Piaskoski for their work
on the Pay Equity Recapture Exercise.
YUFA should know by the end of the week whether the Employer will contribute to the planned renovations to the permanent YUFA offices.
YUFA is planning a dance! It will be held on May 15, 2004 at the Royal Canadian Legion #66.
The President reported receiving a number of questions from members about the possible abolition of compulsory retirement. The President assigned the President-elect, Arthur Hilliker, a leadership role in YUFA Executive’s consideration of this issue. The Executive discussed some of the issues raised by the possible abolition of mandatory retirement and concluded that the absence of information made starting a wider discussion at this time very difficult.
Vice
President Internal
V-P Internal, J. Rahn is seeking nominations for the YUFA Executive as
well as the Joint Health and Safety Committee and the All University
Committee on Pensions. The
Joint Health and Safety Committee has prepared an information handout.
The YUFA Caucus of the All University Committee on Pensions is
preparing an e-mail poll of YUFA members about different pension options. J. Rahn also noted that Sack, Goldblatt and Mitchell, YUFA’s
lawyers should be asked to provide advice to YUFA on the issue of the
abolition of compulsory retirement.
Chief
Stewards
Chief Stewards Ellie Perkins and Marilyn Silverman led a general
discussion about ideas
for expanding member participation in YUFA. The outgoing and incoming YUFA
Executives will have an extended
meeting on April 7, 2004 to discuss ways of increasing member
participation.
Communications
Officer
The Executive approved a motion to grant Kathy Bischoping an additional
0.25 course release to finish the time consuming job of revising the YUFA
Handbook. The third New
Faculty Luncheon will be held in the Founders College Senior Commons Room
on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at 12:30 PM.
The fourth issue of Critical Times will soon be out. There was a
discussion of preparing a Stewards’ Handbook.
Equity
Officer
The Equity Committee met last week. Two
new members attended. There
was a favourable evaluation of the workshop on equity held for Executive
members. The Equity Committee
wishes to bring forward for the agenda of a future Executive meeting the
issue of inclusivity of people from designated groups on YUFA Executive
and on YUFA committees. A
YUFA equity audit is being developed and in this regard it is proposed
that a forum be held on the need for and the form of a YUFA equity audit. The Equity Committee strongly supports the proposal that there be
two Equity Officer positions on the YUFA Executive Committee.
Treasurer
Perry Sadorsky submitted a financial report but its discussion was
deferred.
17 December 2003
President’s Report
President Susan Dimock reported that she continues to lead a discussion in
Senate about academic priorities and complement. She recently attended a Retirement Planning Centre meeting which
provided useful information.
Vice
President External’s Report
Vice
President External Nick Lary moved and the Executive approved a
$1,000 contribution to the Working Student Centre. The Executive
also approved a $500 contribution to LEAF. The Executive also agreed to sponsor the attendance of Nick Lary
and Leila Young at the upcoming CAUT Conference on Contract Faculty. The VP External also reported on the CAUT Council Meeting of
November, 2003.
Chief Stewards’ Report
Chief Steward Marilyn Silverman reported that YUFA needs to obtain all
Department, unit or division Tenure and Promotion
procedure documents. This
matter will be brought to the JCOAA (Joint Committee for the
Administration of the Agreement. The Executive approved the
Agenda for the Stewards'
Council Meeting of Friday, January 9, 2004. The Chief Stewards also reported on the progress of several ongoing
grievances or potential grievances.
Equity
Officer Ena Dua reported on the Equity workshop for the YUFA Executive
held earlier in the month and distributed forms for its evaluation.
Ena also reminded the Executive that she will be on leave beginning
in January of 2004.
26 November 2003
YUFA
is Temporarily Moving
The former Schulich building where YUFA has
had its offices for many years is undergoing renovation before becoming
the home of Nursing and Environmental Studies. While the work is being done, YUFA will have temporary office space
in two adjacent offices on the second floor of the TEL Building and a
further two offices on the fifth floor as well as one office in Winters
College. YUFA can still be
reached by the same phone number listed on the Website. The main
office is now in the Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) building, room
5024.
The Executive approved reimbursement to President Susan Dimock for professional expenses incurred by her as a result of her agreement to serve on short notice as President of YUFA for 2002 to 2004.
President’s
Report
YUFA President Susan Dimock reported that
President Marsden has informed her by letter that the issue of student
faculty ratio determination is currently before Senate APPC. YUFA has been pursing the issue of student faculty ratios
through questions in Senate.
Vice
President Internal’s Report
Vice President Internal Jay Rahn informed
the Executive that vacancies still exist for Recording Secretary,
Treasurer and Chief Steward (1 of 2) for the 2004-2006 Executive. The Jane-Finch Student Coop Placement has room for 25
students but only five have been taken to date, more are needed.
Chief
Stewards’ Report
The Executive approved the Agenda for the coming Stewards’ meeting as
proposed by Chief Stewards Marilyn Silverman and Ellie Perkins.
The Executive approved motions on Internet Course Grievances. The Executive approved the future filing of a grievance against the Employer for not providing protection for YUFA members against libel suits and threats of libel suits in connection with public dissemination of their research. The Chief Stewards expressed concern about the attendance at Stewards' Council meetings and about the successful recruitment of Stewards.
Communications
Officer’s Report
Communications Officer Robert
MacDermid reported that the second issue of Critical Times has been
published. The newspaper is
the result of collaboration between a number of campus unions and
organizations. The updating of the YUFA Handbook is well underway. YUFA plans to distribute the plain language interpretive
handbook to members in the spring of 2004.
Other content is being placed on the YUFA Website.
Equity
Officer’s Report
Equity Officer Ena Dua handed out a
package of documents for the December 3, 2003 day-long Equity Workshop for
the YUFA Executive. She
discussed the seminar leaders and content.
Other
matters
The Executive approved the
appointments of Lelia Young and Benjamin Lowinsky to the Equity Committee.
The Executive approved the payment of conference costs for Ruthanna Dyer, who will attend the Lancaster Conference on Accommodation to be held February 27-28, 2004.
12 November 2003
President’s Report
YUFA
President Susan Dimock reported on discussions with the Administration to
temporarily move the YUFA offices out of the former Schulich building and
into other space while renovations are taking place. Susan also reported that the changes to the Tenure and
Promotions policy go to Senate in September.
Vice
President External’s Report
Vice
President External Nick Lary reported on the Jane Finch Community Leaders
Meeting he attended. The local high school would like to take further
advantage of York University academic resources.
Nick suggested at the recent OCUFA conference that it take an interest in promoting libel chill legislation for Ontario. He noted that model contract clauses are provided by CAUT for a number of areas such as the “Accommodation of Academic Staff with Disabilities” and he will be asking for a model clause on “Libel Liability”.
The VP External will also ask CAUT for a report on comparative student / faculty ratios in Canadian Universities pursuing a concern of YUFA’s raised in Senate.
Chief
Stewards’ Report
Chief Stewards Ellie Perkins and Marilyn Silverman requested that the
Executive approve two policy grievances.
The first arises out of repeated requests from YUFA that the
Employer alter its Atkinson policy, announced last spring, requiring all
on-campus meetings of internet courses to be held on Friday evenings and
weekends. The second
grievance relates to an Atkinson policy requiring course directors to pay
Teaching Assistants out of their TA hours for any computer training they
may need. The Executive
approved both these grievances.
YUFA’ s statistical consultant on the Pay Equity follow-up study has completed his analysis of the York pay data, finally supplied by the Employer in August, in time for presentation at the November 28 arbitration date.
The November meeting of Stewards' Council was productive, but attendance was not impressive. Stewards approved the last of the By-law changes, and after discussion added language on social priorities to the By-law concerning YUFA’s contributions policy. Unit-level workload documents, and workload changes in various units were also discussed.
A number of steward vacancies exist and we would like to request that YUFA make a renewed effort to locate stewards for unrepresented bargaining units.
Equity
Officer’s Report
Equity Officer Enakshi Dua reported that the Race Equity Caucus is now
meeting once a month and attendance is good.
The DisAbility Caucus has met twice and at the first meeting attendance outnumbered the number of YUFA members who have self-identified as having a disability.
The
Equity Committee met twice a month in September and October and now has
monthly meetings. The Equity Committee is working on developing Equity
workshops for Executive and for Stewards' Council and is drafting an equity
audit procedure for YUFA. The workshop for Stewards' Council will be
discussed with the Stewards' Council.
Ena Dua discussed the upcoming Executive workshop. The workshops are intended to provide a rapid form of training, and a broadening of the understanding of the diverse groups involved. They provide a history of what has been done to date in the context of the institutional structure. Consciousness raising is an important objective. Ideally, workshops lead to an appreciation of alternative perspectives on relevant issues. They can focus largely on the experience of marginalized groups with a discussion of social experiences and institutional / structural effects on marginalized groups or, they can focus largely on legal considerations around equity including the discussion of legal obligations, relevant case law and current litigation. The Equity Committee hopes to structure an Equity Workshop for the Executive that provides both the social and legal perspectives on Equity issues. The December 3rd Executive Workshop will have modules on legal issues, the social experiences of faculty of colour in hiring, curriculum and climate and, institutional structures.
Treasurer’s
Report
YUFA Treasurer Perry Sadorsky presented YUFA’s audited financial
statements and the auditor’s report. Following discussion of the report,
the Executive voted to accept it. YUFA’s
finances remain healthy.
Other
matters
YUFA staff person and Nominations Officer Brenda Hart reported that there
have been no nominations for Chief Steward, Recording Secretary and
Treasurer for the next YUFA Executive (2004-2006). YUFA is still searching
for nominees to the Joint
Committee on Teaching Load and Class Size.
The organizers of the Race, Racism and Empire conference thanked YUFA for its generous financial support of the conference.
5 November 2003
YUFA President Susan Dimock told the Executive that she has sent a letter to President Marsden expressing concern over faculty hiring for this year and the past academic year as well as seeking information about student / faculty ratios. She wrote to the Senate Executive asking that it set aside a longer period for discussion of the reports of Vice President Embleton and Vice President Brewer. A letter on the same issue was sent to the Senate-L discussion list with hopes of awakening other senators to this lack of opportunity to discuss crucial reports.
The Executive approved a motion to provide a 1.0 course release for a YUFA member to collect and analyze data on workload and to assist the YUFA representatives on the Joint Committee on Teaching Load and Class Size. YUFA members will be invited to apply for this position. The position will be advertised shortly.
Chief Stewards Ellie Perkins and Marilyn Silverman discussed the implications of the MacDermid grievance. It was noted that the Task Force on Liability, set up as a result of the grievance, had not achieved significant progress and had not met for some time. The YUFA President has asked Harriet Lewis, University Counsel to meet again. Given the importance and urgency of the liability issue raised by the MacDermid grievance and the failure of the Task Force to make significant headway it was decided to raise the issue as an urgent and important one at the next JCOAA meeting. In the event that the matter is not resolved at JCOAA, consideration will be given to lodging a policy grievance on this important issue.
The Stewards also discussed The Employment Standards Act grievance, launched on behalf of a number of female faculty because of low pay. Arbitration hearings on this grievance will be held November 26, 27 and 28. All members can attend these hearings.
The Executive passed a motion requiring all YUFA officers to file annual reports by May 31 of each year, the date on which officer mandates expire.
The YUFA Executive approved the appointment of Paul Craven as co-chair of the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) for two years and the appointments of Jan Rehner and Keith Aldridge as YUFA representatives on the DRC for one year.
The Executive discussed making a contribution to the CAUT Academic Freedom Fund. YUFA has not contributed to this new CAUT fund to defray exceptional costs in defending cases of academic freedom. After a lengthy discussion the vote on a motion to make a contribution to the fund ended in a tie vote and it was tabled until the next meeting.
The Executive discussed the new newspaper Critical Times, put out by a coalition of York unions and partially funded by YUFA. The discussion raised the issue of bias in the first issue’s articles on the Middle East conflict. The Executive suggested that YUFA representatives on the editorial board must be able to read all submissions and revisions of submissions and that they be empowered to withdraw YUFA support from the newspaper if they disapprove of a submission to be published.
The Association of Retired Faculty (ARF) representative Peter Harries-Jones successfully won the approval of the Executive to initiate a forum for all campus unions to discuss pension issues.
YUFA President Susan Dimock reported that she will be writing to the Chair of Senate to request that it set aside a longer period of time to discuss the important reports of the Vice President Academic and the Vice President Administration. Susan Dimock noted that a recent meeting allowed just five minutes for questions after the presentation of lengthy reports.
The York Vice President Academic’s report to Senate did not contain hiring and complement information for the YUFA bargaining unit. The YUFA side of the Joint Committee On the Administration of the Agreement will be asking the Employer for this information.
The YUFA President asked the Executive to consider a policy for the release of information from membership votes. The current practice is to release only the percentage of voters casting ballots for different alternatives. The number of members casting ballots is not released. Some members have asked for such information following recent voting by the membership. The Executive considered a number of proposals for policies on this matter ranging from the current practice to the release of all information (percentages for each alternative, the number of members supporting each alternative, the number of ballots cast and, the total number of members) on all ballots of the membership. The Executive passed a motion that “the actual numbers for all balloted general membership votes be released to members save for strike votes.”
The President noted that all officer work plans had been submitted. These plans can be seen on the YUFA Website. The plans will be reviewed and approved at the next Stewards' Council meeting.
Vice President Internal, Jay Rahn reported that nominations for Executive Officer positions close on October 31. Brenda Hart, reported that nominations had not been received for several positions. Nominations for President, Vice President External, Communications Officer and Equity Officer have been received. A final call for nominations will be sent by e-mail to YUFA members.
The Executive voted in favour of the Agenda for the Stewards’ Council meeting of November 7 proposed by Chief Stewards Ellie Perkins and Marilyn Silverman.
The Chief Stewards asked the Executive to approve the call to have the Joint Committee on Teaching Load and Class Size begin meetings.
The Chief Stewards proposed that the Executive approve a one course release for a YUFA member to build a dataset on YUFA members’ workload. The proposal will be considered at a later meeting of the Executive.
There will be an arbitration hearing on the Employment Standards Act Grievance on November 26, 27 and 28, 2003. All members can attend these hearings.
There will be a special Workshop on Equity to be held for Executive members on December 3, 2003 from 9 am to 3 pm.
Communications Officer Robert MacDermid reported that Jay Rahn, Susan. Dimock and YUFA staff person Jill Flohil will host three lunches in 2003 / 2004 for YUFA members hired within the last two years. The first luncheon, to be held on December 4, 2003, will include a discussion of Tenure and Promotion matters. The second, on January 14, 2004, will have a discussion of remuneration and benefits, while the final luncheon on February 10, 2004 and will include a discussion of academic freedom and intellectual property.
The second issue of the union coalition newspaper Critical Times, will appear in the week beginning November 10. There will be articles on fair trade coffee and reviews of some of the new buildings on campus. The editorial focus of the newspaper is on working and learning life and union issues at York.
The Executive approved a donation of $5,000 to the Race, Racism and Empire Conference to be held April 29 to May 1, 2004.
The Executive approved the appointment of Barbara Cameron and Pat McDermott as YUFA delegates to the OFL annual convention.
The Executive approved the appointment of Louise Ripley to the Equity Committee.
Correspondence from Barbara Hanson, National Action Committee for the Status of Women, thanked YUFA for its “quick action on making a donation to NAC.”
15 October 2003
Jim Turk, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) attended the YUFA Executive meeting. He discussed academic freedom issues, civil liberty issues involving electronic surveillance, how international trade agreements are threatening Canadian universities, increasing commercialization of university funding that may threaten the academic legitimacy of programs and institutions and, the change in federal funding to universities that has moved from bloc grants to targeted programmes such as the Canada Research Chairs and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation. He further mentioned the decline of faculty involvement in university governance and the willingness of university senates to ignore faculty input. He also raised CAUT’s concern about the Tri-Council Policy on the ethics of research on human subjects and issues about the liability faculty members face from their public comments concerning matters within their disciplines. Jim Turk concluded his presentation with a description of and rationale for the Academic Freedom Fund. The Fund will enable individual Faculty Associations to pay unusually large legal fees in support of academic freedom. He noted that CAUT itself could also tap into the Academic Freedom Fund for academic freedom cases in which CAUT is the main participant.
YUFA President Susan Dimock reported that Joanna Blake, YUFA Trustee of the York University Retired Faculty and Librarian Benefit Trust Fund, will resign as of January 2004.
Vice President External Nick Lary reported that the first issue of the campus union coalition newspaper, Critical Times, has appeared.
The YUFA Executive approved a contribution of $500 to the HERE Local 75 Defense Fund. These low-paid hotel workers were organized by Local 75 of the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Union (HERE) against the Sheraton Gateway Hotel at Pearson International Airport.
The Executive approved a request from YUFA member Barbara Hanson that YUFA donate $1000 to the National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC) as it was in serious financial difficulty. The President will write to NAC asking for details of the NAC financial situation to facilitate consideration by YUFA Executive of possible further financial contributions.
Equity Officer Enakshi Dua reported that the first priority of the Equity Committee is the recruitment of new members. She congratulated the Disabilities Caucus on its initial meeting. She also indicated that the Equity Workshop for Executive members scheduled for December 3, 2003 is being developed. The work plan for the Equity Committee is being developed.
The Executive approved a member’s request for a 0.5 course release be provided in 2003 / 2004 for work connected with JCOAA including the Benefits subcommittee and the Accommodation Subcommittee.
1 October 2003
YUFA President Susan Dimock informed the Executive about the ongoing discussion of the role of Senate in the cancellation of classes. She also indicated that at the next meeting of Senate she would ask for information about faculty student ratios, faculty complement and student enrolments. The YUFA Collective Agreement is accompanied by an undertaking to maintain existing faculty ratios that is signed by York President Marsden.
Vice President Internal Jay Rahn proposed Enakshi Dua as the new Equity Officer and the Executive unanimously endorsed this motion. The appointment will need to be ratified by Stewards' Council. The VP Internal notified the Executive about the annual submission of CVs and indicated that these need not be submitted electronically and that the YUFA Executive recommends that they be submitted on paper. Jay Rahn also led a discussion about the reporting of outside professional activities as is required under Article 18.04 of the CA. What needs to be reported is somewhat unclear.
Vice President External Nick Lary informed the Executive that Jim Turk, the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) will attend the next Executive meeting. Susan Dimock asked that Jim Turk speak about CAUT’s position on the Tri Council Policy on Research Involving Human Participants. Jay Rahn asked that Jim Turk bring the Executive up to date on CAUT’s position on copyright reform. Nick Lary reported on the progress of the first edition of Critical Times, a publication of a coalition of campus unions and student groups.
The VP External notified the Executive about two upcoming conferences: the CAUT Grievance Officer Workshop in early November and the CLC East Coast Solidarity and Pride Gathering also in November. Nick also discussed CAUT concerns about the renewal of faculty association officers and the need to attract more active participants into faculty unions.
Peter Harries-Jones, representing the Association of Retired Faculty (ARF), told the Executive that he will be replaced by Vice President Alex Murray for the coming months. Peter discussed confusion surrounding the details of health benefits under the new agreement. He also mentioned that the continuing upward cost pressure of prescription drugs may well lead to caps on their use or the use of specific drugs. Peter also passed on a request by retired members for a library card with photo identification and some indication of their status as a retired faculty member.
The Executive appointed Narda Razack to the Equity Committee.
The Equity Committee distributed some information about an Equity Workshop for Executive Members to be held on December 3.
President Susan Dimock reported that she, VP Internal Jay Rahn, Communications Officer Robert MacDermid and YUFA staff Jill Flohil and Brenda Hart met with President Loma Marsden and Vice President Brewer. This was an informal meeting called at President Marsden’s initiative to keep YUFA leadership informed about changes in campus procedures.
Susan Dimock discussed the upcoming merit exercise as described in the Collective Agreement, and noted that Barry Miller and some Deans have sent conflicting memos to members about format and procedure for merit applications. There is some confusion as to the criteria being employed. YUFA will be informing members about the relevant clauses in the Collective Agreement.
VP Internal Nick Lary reported that the Coalition (a coalition of unions at York) newspaper will be entitled “The Mockingbird” and that submissions are being invited for publication in the newspaper. Nick Lary and Robert MacDermid serve as YUFA representatives on the editorial collective.
Nick Lary reported that there will be a forum entitled “Decay and Decline of Public Institutions,” to be held in the York Senate Chamber on September 23, 2003 from 9:30 to 3:00. YUFA, CUPE 3903 and the Graduate Students Association will host this forum. The Executive voted the approval of a $400 grant in support of the forum.
Chief Stewards Ellie Perkins and Marilyn Silverman sought approval of the Agenda for the Stewards meeting of October 3rd. The Chief Stewards also reported on the progress of several grievances.
The Executive approved Joe Sheridan as a representative of YUFA at the OCUFA Collective Bargaining Committee meetings of October 24 and November 28, 2003. The Executive also approved the attendance of Joanne Chumakov at the OCUFA Collective Bargaining Committee meetings of February 27 and May 14, 2004.
Narda Razack was welcomed as a member of the Equity Committee of YUFA.
Equity Committee member Daryl Reed presented a report from the Committee. One item in the report suggested that there be two Equity Committee representatives on the YUFA Executive. The Executive asked the Equity Committee to draft a constitutional amendment to add a second Equity Officer to the Executive and that the proposed constitutional amendment be brought to Executive for consideration.
Daryl Reed presented a work plan for the Equity Committee entitled “Proposals for Advancing Equity at York.” The plan includes equity educational workshops now being developed for members of the Stewards' Council and the Executive.
3 September 2003
President Susan Dimock announced that YUFA’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday October 8, 2003 in the Faculty Club. The President also announced that President Marsden has invited a small group of the YUFA Executive to attend an informal meeting to discuss a number of important issues. President Susan Dimock, VP Internal Jay Rahn and Communications Officer Robert MacDermid will represent YUFA at the meeting.
VP Internal Jay Rahn reported that the Health and Safety Committee has been active with memos sent to members concerning room capacities and fire regulations. The Alliance for a Balanced Copyright will be seeking input from institutions and organizations and, where possible, endorsement of specific principles they are drafting concerning the use of copyrighted material across all media. The Alliance is also attempting to review the methods employed in copyright fee collection and in the distribution of the fees. We should hear from the Alliance in the near future.
Marilyn Silverman, one of the two Chief Stewards, reported that a number of grievance cases are under way.
Communication Officer Robert MacDermid moved a motion to provide Kathy Bischoping, a one-half course release in order to update the YUFA Handbook. The motion passed. The Handbook originally written by Kathy and Brett Cemer has drawn praise not only from our own membership but also from CAUT and OCUFA.
Treasurer Perry Sadorsky discussed our investment activity and also expressed concern about the personal details being requested by banks for signing officers. Social insurance numbers and photographs are now routinely requested from organizations with bank accounts. Perry will seek legal advice through YUFA and report back.
YUFA will sponsor the attendance of Mary Kandiuk, Vivienne Monty and Maura Matesic at the upcoming CAUT Librarians Conference in Halifax.
There have been no responses to the YUFA call for members to attend the upcoming OFL conference “Accommodation: Disabilities Rights and Union Responsibilities, Getting the Tools You Need”. YUFA Recording Secretary Arthur Hilliker agreed to attend the conference, September 26 and 27, 2003. YUFA will again put out a call for participants.
YUFA will be asking for representatives to attend the annual Ontario Federation of Labour convention from November 24 to 28, 2003 in Toronto.
VP Internal Jay Rahn, standing in for President Susan Dimock who was away on holiday, reported that the YUFA half of the Joint Committee on the Administration of the Agreement (JCOAA) will welcome new members Susan Dimock, Arthur Hilliker, Ruthanna Dyer and one of the two Chief Stewards. Brenda Spotton Visano will carry on as JCOAA co-chair during the summer with a new co-chair to be selected for the fall from amongst the new members. JCOAA’s agenda includes the Tenure and Promotion clause of the Agreement (Article 13) as well as issues concerning disabilities accommodation and a task force on Conflict of Interest.
The members of the YUFA Executive were asked to submit their annual reports (02-03) for presentation at the fall AGM as well as to prepare work plans for the coming year to be presented to Executive in October.
VP Jay Rahn will draft an advisory to YUFA members regarding the new merit procedures and policies and place it on the YUFA Website.
The Race Equity Caucus will meet with the Executive in the fall.
Jacinthe Michaud and Tania Das Gupta were welcomed as new members of the Equity Committee of YUFA.
The Executive passed a motion to send two members to the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) Librarians’ Conference to be held in the fall in Halifax.
Chief Stewards Ellie Perkins and John Bell presented a report on the status and progress of different grievances. The Executive thanked John Bell for all his hard work. John’s term as Co-Chief Steward ends at the end of the June.
Ruthanna Dyer will be organizing the Persons With Disabilities Caucus in September.
Communications Officer Robert MacDermid reported placing Executive meeting summaries on the YUFA Website in addition to recent stories on workload and retirement issues and an appeal for Steward recruitment.
The Executive passed a motion to provide $5,000 from general funds for the Jane-Finch Summer Literacy Program.
Brenda Spotton Visano, JCOAA co-chair, provided the Executive with a summary of issues being discussed in that committee.
As YUFA Chief Negotiator, Brenda Spotton Visano also provided a summary report on bargaining and the continuing discussion to provide a final version of the new Collective Agreement.
The YUFA Executive met to discuss the tentative settlement reached on May 22 between the YUFA Bargaining team and the Employer.
Chief YUFA Negotiator Brenda Spotton Visano provided a detailed report on the package and the negotiations and answered questions from the Executive.
The Executive unanimously passed the following motion: “That the YUFA Executive recommend to YUFA members renewal of the YUFA Collective Agreement on the terms set out in the Memorandum of Settlement for Renewal of the Collective Agreement between YUFA and the Board of Governors of York University dated May 22, 2003.”
It was agreed that the Memorandum of Settlement should be sent to members as soon as possible. A General Membership meeting will be held on June 10th to allow members to ask questions about the settlement. A ratification vote will be held following the meeting from 2:00 to 7:00 and on June 11th.
The Executive unanimously passed motions thanking Chief Negotiator Brenda Spotton Visano, bargaining team members Don Dippo, Susan Ehrlich, Jay Rahn and Jan Rehner, and YUFA staff persons Brenda Hart, Monica Mulvihil and Jill Flohil for their work on behalf of YUFA members.
14 May 2003
YUFA President Susan Dimock reported to the Executive Committee that the YUFA motion on the procedure for the cancellation of classes in the event of a disruption will be brought to the floor of Senate at its next meeting on May 22, 2003. The President also reported that the Indemnification Task Force had its first meeting. This joint YUFA Employer body is intended to devise a policy for the indemnification of faculty who may encounter legal costs as a result of pursuing or publicizing their research.
Brenda Spotton Visano, YUFA’s Chief Negotiator, explained progress in negotiations for a new collective agreement to the Executive and an extensive discussion followed. The Executive passed the following motion: “The YUFA Executive expresses confidence in the bargaining team who are to be commended for their sensitivity, skill and intelligence.” The Executive passed a further motion to send out Bargaining Update #5 to members.
The Executive has agreed not to reveal any of the details of bargaining to members in advance of a settlement so as not to inadvertently compromise the positions of our negotiating team. This is a standard labour negotiation practice.
VP External Nick Lary secured the approval of the Executive for a $5,000 grant from the YUFA Foundation to pay for an instructor for the Summer Literacy Camp, a joint project with York University and the Jane Finch Community and part of YUFA’s equity and outreach commitments.
Chief Negotiator Brenda Spotton Visano briefed the Executive on the progress of negotiations for a new contract.
VP Internal, Jay Rahn, reported that the proposed By-law revisions discussed by the Executive will be submitted for approval to the Stewards’ Council at its next meeting.
VP External, Nick Lary, introduced a motion that the YUFA Executive “endorses the ACE proposal with respect to supporting high school students from the Jane-Finch area taking a York University course.
Chief Steward Ellie Perkins introduced a motion to extend John Bell’s term as Chief Steward to the end of June 2003. The motion passed and must be submitted to Stewards’ Council for approval.
The Chief Stewards requested the names of individuals who might be able to replace John Bell on the Employment Standards Act arbitration.
The Chief Stewards submitted the following motion: “The YUFA Executive requests the Employer to provide by June 16, 2003, the final class size (including lecture and tutorial / lab breakdowns) for every course taught in whole or in part by YUFA members from Fall 1993 through 2002-2003 and the class format (lecture only, small discussion group only, combinations of lectures and tutorial, labs, etc.) of each of these courses.” The motion passed.
The Chief Stewards submitted a second motion: “The YUFA Executive requests the Employer to provide by September 1, 2003, the precise approved policy of each unit annually from Fall 1993 through 2003-04 for maximum class size, minimum class size and accepted course formats.” The motion passed.
Treasurer Perry Sadorsky reported that next year’s budget is now being prepared. He reported that this year’s budget will have a surplus of approximately $100,000.
The Executive approved the appointment of Walter Whiteley as a Pension Fund Trustee.
23 April 2003
YUFA President, Susan Dimock introduced a motion to move from weekly to bi-weekly meetings of the Executive beginning April 30th. The motion passed.
Chief Negotiator Brenda Spotton Visano reported on the progress of negotiations.
VP External, Nick Lary, reported on making a donation of $125 to support the Mothering and Work Conference at York University.
Chief Stewards Ellie Perkins and John Bell reported that the Agenda for the Stewards' Council meeting of May 2 will be the same as the weather-cancelled April meeting.
The Executive approved conference expenses for Linda Briskin and Ruthanna Dyer to attend the Twelfth National CLC Women’s Conference.
16 April 2003
YUFA President, Susan Dimock, reported that a Senate motion on a new policy for the cancellation of classes will be debated at the upcoming meeting of Senate. The YUFA President also reported on a meeting with Harriet Lewis, University Counsel, about the availability of liability insurance to cover legal costs that could arise as a result of faculty members speaking with the media. The University Counsel indicated that speaking to the media is not considered to be part of employment activities.
The Chief Negotiator, Brenda Spotton Visano, informed the Executive about progress in bargaining.
The VP External, Nick Lary, reported that the Occupational Health and Safety Committee has met for the first time.
The Chief Stewards reported that the University has asked faculty to be understanding in their application of the deferred examination policies for cases involving SARS.
Equity Officer, Jody Warner, submitted her resignation from the Executive as of May 31, 2003. Her letter of resignation was accompanied by a letter from the Equity Committee. Both letters stated that the YUFA Executive has not been sufficiently supportive of equity initiatives.
9 April 2003
YUFA President Susan Dimock reported on the joint YUFA and Employer Working Group on indemnification and third party insurance. The Working Group will proceed and any agreement between the parties will be put into a Letter of Understanding that will be in force until a subsequent round of bargaining at which time it will be tabled for inclusion in the Collective Agreement. The Working Group will investigate ways in which faculty may be protected against unwarranted libel suits and other legal actions that may impinge on academic freedoms.
Chief Negotiator Brenda Spotton Visano reported that the negotiating continues to meet to further develop language in the YUFA proposal. Bargaining with the Employer will resume this week with agreement having been reached on a number of minor issues. The Employer has posted their bargaining positions on the Academic Employee Relations Website.
Vice
President External Nick Lary reported that YUFA will participate in a
proposal to bring 30 high school students from the Jane-Finch area to York
University.
The York Administration has been asked to contribute $5,000 to the
project.
Nick Lary introduced a motion to ask Jim Turk, CAUT Executive
Director, to speak to the Executive about the CAUT Academic Freedom Fund.
The Motion was defeated.
The YUFA Executive has declined to contribute to the CAUT Academic
Freedom Fund because of the additional costs and the belief by some that
the fund is most likely to be used to defend medical and scientific
researchers at universities with medical schools. Nick Lary voiced his concerns about constraints on the use of YUFA
funds to support worthy causes. The Executive has had a number of discussions about requests for
financial support from different organizations and individuals within and
outside the university.
ARF (York Association of Retired Faculty) President, Peter Harries Jones, reported on continuing problems with retiree benefits and noted that not all negotiated benefits understood to be in the pension plan appear in the benefit booklet distributed to retired faculty.
YUFA will contribute $100 towards the expenses of the April 10th 2003 forum entitled “Defining Sexuality Studies.”
1 April 2003
President Susan Dimock will be placing on YUFA’s Website her comments to the recent forum on free speech occasioned by the visit of Daniel Pipes. YUFA’s President also reported on the first meeting of the Joint Working Group on Indemnification, a union-Employer committee intended to resolve issues that arise when faculty incur legal costs carrying out or publicizing their research. The President also introduced a motion, passed by the Executive, to contribute $4,000 to OCUFA’s (Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations) publicity campaign to raise awareness of university issues during the upcoming provincial election. OCUFA has been running radio ads throughout the province and now has a Website on double cohort issues.
Chief Negotiator Brenda Spotton Visano reported to the Executive on the progress of negotiations. The Executive approved a motion to send out a Bargaining Update information sheet to members.
The Executive has agreed not to reveal any of the details of bargaining to members in advance of a settlement so as not to inadvertently compromise the positions of our negotiating team. This is a standard labour negotiation practice.
Equity Officer Jody Nyasha Warner introduced a motion that “YUFA send up to 5 members to the Toronto and York Region Labour Council Aboriginal and Workers of Colour Conference on Saturday June 14, 2003, giving first priority to members who are visible minorities or aboriginal.” The motion carried. The Equity Officer introduced a further motion that “YUFA send up to 3 members to the Canadian Labour Congress’ Twelfth National Women’s conference June 8-11, 2003 in Ottawa, and that we include a special call encouraging young women, women of colour, lesbians, aboriginal women and women with disabilities to apply.” The motion carried. A further motion that “YUFA donate $100 towards the April 10th Defining Sexualities Studies Forum which is intended to explore how the newly proposed Sexual Diversity Studies programme can weave transnationality and intersectionality into their curriculum,” was introduced by the Equity Officer and passed by the Executive. A debate ensued about whether YUFA’s support for curricular development was within the union’s mandate and President Susan Dimock ruled the motion out of order.
YUFA Treasurer Perry Sadorsky requested that plans for expected expenditures be submitted so that he can make up the budget for next year.
ARF president Peter Harries-Jones reported that ARF (Association of Retired Faculty) representatives will be meeting with the negotiating team.
Jill Flohil was introduced as a new YUFA staff person. Jill with be supporting the bargaining team, the Executive Committee and Communications, among other responsibilities.
The President of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA), Henry Jacek, and Executive Director Henry Mandelbaum, attended the meeting to discuss with the Executive the participation of OCUFA in the upcoming provincial election and the possible solicitation of funds from faculty associations for this purpose. OCUFA has been advertising on radio across the province urging voters to think about higher education policies when they vote. OCUFA has also set up a Website.
VP External, Nick Lary, presented a draft articulation agreement between York University and the York University Faculty Association as one party and Westview Centennial Secondary School, C.W. Jeffreys Secondary School and Emery Collegiate as the other party. The Executive was informed that YUFA funding was already in place. The potential cost to the Employer was discussed as well as a number of other issues. A Summer Literacy Camp will be part of the agreement. This initiative is part of YUFA’s outreach to the neighbouring Jane-Finch community.
The Chief Negotiator, Brenda Spotton-Visano’s reported on the beginning of negotiations for a new contract. As is usual in labour negotiations, the members of the Executive have been asked to keep all reports from the Chief Negotiator confidential.
The Chief Stewards Ellie Perkins and John Bell gave updates on the progress of a number of grievances. There was a discussion of issues surrounding academic freedom. Whether YUFA needs to develop further policies on academic freedom was discussed?
The YUFA Chair of the Joint Committee on the Administration of the Agreement (JCOAA), Brenda Spotton-Visano, reported on issues before the committee and the progress achieved in their resolution.
18 March 2003
Tony Turrittin, Chair of the Faculty Club informed the YUFA Executive about the state of the Faculty Club finances, renovation plans and the search for a new caterer. The Faculty Club is a joint responsibility of the Employer and the YUFA Trust.
YUFA President Susan Dimock introduced the following motion on communicating the state of negotiations to members while bargaining is taking place: “Members of the Executive Committee shall receive all communications from the Chief Negotiator as confidential and not convey such information to others. Any communications whatsoever concerning bargaining shall be decided by the Executive in consultation with the Chief Negotiator.” The motion was passed.
The Chief Negotiator, Brenda Spotton Visano, reported to the Executive on the first meetings with the Employer.
Vice President Internal, Jay Rahn, reported that the sub-committee to consider a possible By-law or policy regarding public statements on controversial public issues from the Executive or individual members of the Executive will meet and draft a report.
Vice President External, Nick Lary informed the Executive that the President of OCUFA, Henry Jacek, will be attending a future meeting of the Executive to discuss a public campaign lobbying the government for further funding for universities. The VP External then initiated a discussion of the CAUT Academic Freedom Fund and whether YUFA should contribute to the Fund. A motion to not contribute to the Fund failed.
The Chief Stewards reported to the Executive on the state of a number of grievances on behalf of individuals and groups of individuals.
4 March 2003
The Executive continued to search for a person to replace John Bell as Grievance Officer for the Employment Standards Arbitration.
The Executive voted to add Don Dippo to the Negotiating team.
The Executive struck a sub-committee of Susan Dimock, Jay Rahn, Nick Lary and Robert MacDermid to develop a bylaw or policy on the issue of public statements on controversial issues made by members of the YUFA Executive.
VP External, Nick Lary, informed the Executive about the latest campus building Projects as proposed by the York University Development Corporation. Two projects, a permanent Tennis Canada Stadium and a housing project will be developed in the near future. Brenda Hart and Jay Rahn are members of the YUDC Advisory Committee, a body that meets very infrequently.
The Executive approved the agenda for the next Stewards’ Council meeting as submitted by Chief Stewards Ellie Perkins and John Bell.
Communications Officer Robert MacDermid asked that the Executive consider endorsing CAUT and UMFA (Manitoba Faculty Association) motions on the possible war in Iraq.
The Executive approved a motion to provide Negotiating team members with a 0.5 course release as compensation and approved a course release of 1.0 for the Chief Negotiator.
The Executive voted to give $500 to support events sponsored by the Centre for Race and Ethnic Relations on March 8 and March 21, 2003.
The Executive passed a motion to “strike a subcommittee for drafting a By-law or policy proposal on the issue of YUFA Executive statements concerning controversial political issues.”
The Executive passed a motion to appoint Susan Ehrlich to the Negotiations Team.
The Executive continued to discuss and approve revisions to the YUFA By-laws. The changes will have to be approved by the Stewards’ Council.
The Vice President External Nick Lary introduced visitor Pablo Vivanco, Vice President of the York Federation of Students. Mr. Vivanco requested the Executive’s assistance in negotiating a reduced rate Metro pass with the TTC and with the assistance of the York administration. President of YUFA, Susan Dimock will discuss this with the President of York University at the next opportunity.
Mr Vivanco also informed the Executive about student actions against the war in Iraq planned for Wednesday, March 5.
The Executive received Richard Wellen’s report on his attendance at the OCUFA conference “The Future of Ontario Universities: Challenges and Opportunities.” See his report on the YUFA Website.
11 February 2003
The Executive approved a motion that instructs YUFA President, Susan Dimock, to give notice to the Employer of the intention to bargain. This is the first step in bargaining a new collective agreement to replace the current one that expires on April 30th, 2003.
The President also reported that the Stewards’ Council approved the initial bargaining positions. A General Meeting of YUFA members will be held on February 25th in the Faculty Lounge from 12:00-2:00. The initial bargaining positions are on the YUFA Website.
The Executive approved a motion to revise the policy on course cancellations, Senate Policy 006. The motion will be presented to Senate by YUFA President Susan Dimock.
Equity Officer Jody
Nyasha Warner discussed in greater detail the duties and appointment of
the Affirmative Action Officer. The
initial bargaining positions, approved by the Stewards’ Council but not
yet by the general membership, propose to create the position of a
full-time University Affirmative Action Officer with experience and
expertise in employment equity.
The Executive approved the appointment of Jan Rehner to the bargaining team that also includes Jay Rahn and Brenda Spotton-Visano.
ARF President Peter Harries-Jones reported that confusion over precise retirement benefits entitlements makes it appear that Great West Life, the benefits provider, is paying less in benefits than specified in the benefits booklet.
Carl James submitted his Report from the Collective Bargaining and Economic Benefits Conference: Bargaining for Equity. The conference was organized by the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) in Ottawa at the end of January. The conference was an attempt to think through issues of equity relating to bargaining.
Carl James’ Report can be viewed on the YUFA Website.
Penni Stewart, YUFA’s representative to the Toronto District Labour Council submitted a report on the February 6 meeting. Penni Stewart’s report contains, among other things, announcements about arrangement for the March 8th International Women’s Day; the Labour Council’s unanimous endorsement of David Miller for Mayor of Toronto, and; advance notice of the Toronto Aboriginal / Worker of Colour Conference in June. Penni Stewart’s report can be seen on the YUFA Website.
4 February 2003
The Executive approved a public meeting for February 11 at 3:00 in the Senate Chamber to discuss with members the Executive Communication on the Daniel Pipes visit to York. (An account of this meeting can be viewed on the Websites under “Reflecting on the Daniel Pipes visit.”)
The Executive spent the entire meeting receiving and discussing the Report of the Bargaining Priorities Committee. The Report will be forwarded to the Steward’s Council for final approval. The bargaining positions can be viewed on the YUFA Website.
The Executive discussed and approved the text of a communication on the visit of Daniel Pipes to the York campus. (The text of the statement and an ensuing discussion of it are contained in the web story “Reflecting on the Daniel Pipes visit.”)
YUFA President Susan Dimock told the Executive that she is still discussing with the Chair of Senate the proper procedures and authority to cancel classes in the event of a labour dispute. The YUFA Executive has agreed that it is inappropriate to use Senate Policy 6 to suspend classes and any such decisions should only be taken after a vote by the entire Senate.
The Executive discussed a series of amendments to the YUFA By-laws. A number of these amendments were passed. The amended set of By-laws can be viewed on the Website.
Vice President Internal, Jay Rahn, reported that the Bargaining Priorities Committee will present its report to the next Executive meeting prior to its submission to the Stewards’ Council for final approval.
Peter Harries-Jones, President of the York Association of Retired Faculty (ARF), reported on an emerging concern about whether retirees have been receiving the level of benefits that ARF and a pension consultant believe that they are be entitled to.
Nick Lary, Vice President External, reported on a meeting with the Jane and Finch Committee.
14 January 2003
The Executive passed a motion endorsing “the support given by CAUT to the implementation of the Romanow Report” on healthcare in Canada.
The Executive passed a motion appointing Keith Aldridge and Jay Rahn as YUFA representatives to the York University Development Corporation. YUDC makes plans for future development of campus Lands.
The Employer refused a resolution of the Executive MBA grievance about rates of pay for course instructors in the Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA programme. The grievance will now go to arbitration.
The new President of the York Association of Retired Faculty (ARF) Peter Harries-Jones, reported that the Employer would not provide the association with the names and addresses of newly retired faculty. It was suggested that YUFA stewards report to the association the names of faculty that retired last year. A notice about informing ARF about impending retirement has been placed in the YUFA Website.
December 2002
November 2002
October 2002
September 2002
August 2002
June 2002
March 2002
February 2002
January 2002
The Executive approved the appointment of Al Stauffer as the YUFA representative to the All University Committee on Pensions. Al Stauffer will be replacing John Heddle.
The Executive approved the recommendation
that the Stewards’ Council appoint Jay Rahn and Brenda Spotton-Visano to
the Collective Bargaining Team.
Nick Lary, VP External reported on his
attendance at the recent CAUT Collective Bargaining Conference.
Chief Stewards Ellie Perkins and John Bell
announced that they will present next week a summary of the class
size / room space questionnaire recently distributed to members.
The Executive approved the minutes of settlement for the grievance
associated with the new guidelines contained in the new HRDC hiring rules.
Robert MacDermid, Comunications Officer, discussed the result of the bargaining questionnaire completed by members.
Peter Harries-Jones, President of the York
Association of Retired Faculty, has met with the Bargaining Priorities
Sub-committee and noted that retirees would like to push for the removal
of the current cap on lifetime medical benefits.
The Executive approved Joanne Chumakov’s attendance at the OCUFA conference on the Future of Ontario Universities.
President Susan Dimock will be submitting to Senate a motion reaffirming Senate’s commitment to the use of Senate Policy 8 rather than Senate Policy 6 in consideration of the cancellation of classes due to labour disputes.
YUFA will hold a General Meeting on 11 December 2002 from 12 to 2 in the Faculty Club with lunch provided. The meeting will discuss the results of the recently completed questionnaire about priorities for bargaining.
Vice President External Nick Lary attended the recent CAUT Conference on Academic Freedom and reported that the issues discussed at the conference included electronic communication privacy, collective bargaining strategies, academic freedom for biomedical researchers and distance teaching over the Internet. Look for a fuller report on the Website in the near future. Lary commented that CAUT has set up a fund to assist in academic freedom grievances that are beyond the financial means of the faculty association concerned. There was general discussion of the fund and agreement that YUFA should not contribute to it at this time.
Grievance officers Ellie Perkins and John Bell reported that there are a number of individual grievances under discussion with Academic Employee Relations.
The YUFA Website continues to grow in popularity with members. The number of visits has been increasing rapidly as members discover the wealth of information available on the site.
Treasurer Perry Sadorsky reported that YUFA’s budget is on target for the current financial year.
19 November 2002
YUFA reached a settlement with the Employer over the grievance concerning weekend examinations. In addition, the administration has now properly informed YUFA about plans for an extended exam schedule for the winter exam period and for future years. YUFA members should be reminded annually about their right to request weekday exams.
The Executive was informed about upcoming YUFA vacancies on the Joint Committee for the Administration of the Agreement. Any members who would like to volunteer for one of the most interesting committee jobs in the university should speak with YUFA President Susan Dimock.
VP External Nick Lary informed the Executive about the pending provincial legislation regarding pension surpluses (since withdrawn). YUFA is seeking legal advice on this issue.
The Executive passed a motion to “write to the President of Concordia University to rescind the “moratorium” on dialogue concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and restore academic freedom on campus.”
A motion was passed that “YUFA ask its delegates to the CAUT Council to raise with Council a motion to request the Canadian government not to support a war with Iraq.” (To read the subsequent resolution from CAUT, please click here.)
The Chief Stewards and VP Internal, Jay Rahn, will meet with the CUPE 3903 to discuss items of common interest.
Equity Officer, Jody Nyasha Warner introduced a motion that “YUFA remit $200 to Peter Cole, Chair of the First Nations Caucus, in support of the “We are Not Going Away” event.” The motion passed.
A general meeting will be held 11 December from 12:00-2:00 in the Faculty Club with lunch provided. The results of the membership survey on negotiating positions will be presented at that meeting.
12 November
2002
Executive agreed to a proposal put
forward by VP External Nick Lary to send 4 members to
the OCUFA conference “the Future of Ontario Universities” in
January 2003.
Nick Lary will be preparing a response
to the OCUFA Mandatory Retirement Discussion paper.
Nick also reported that faculty at the University of Sudbury have
reached agreement with the administration on a first collective agreement.
The Chief Stewards John Bell and Ellie
Perkins discussed the outline of a settlement for the grievance over the
scheduling of weekend examinations.
A Stewards’ Council meeting will be
held on November 15th to complete the agenda from the previous
meeting.
Equity Officer Jody Nyasha Warner reported on her attendance at the Bent on Change conference. The Equity Officer also met with Molly Ladd-Taylor, the University Affirmative Action Director, to discuss equity issues.
Jody Nyasha Warner and John Bell reported on the recent Queer Caucus meeting and noted tensions around AA issues between the Race Equity and Queer caucuses. John Bell reported that the Queer caucus wants non-discriminatory language, not AA language, in the contract and tenure procedures. He reported that AA representative on tenure committees need training in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans-sexual concerns.
John Bell reported that the Queer
caucus had reviewed relevant sections of the YUFA Handbook and requested
that the wording on page 15 be changed from "same or opposite
sex" to "same or other sex."
John Bell pointed out other possibly discriminatory language in the
pensions and benefits section of the Handbook.
It was agreed that most of this language comes from official
pension documentation. John
Bell pointed out the need for the inclusion of "gender identity"
in Article 3 of the Collective Agreement.
He also noted the need to review language about the composition of
families.
Communication Officer Robert MacDermid reported on the successful New Faculty Lunches held on November 5 and 6 and attended by 23 new faculty who had the chance to meet YUFA staff and Executive members. He also reported that the Bargaining Questionnaire has gone out to members and about 40 have now been returned. Reminder notices will be sent this week.
5 November 2002
It was reported that a tentative agreement between the Employer and
the three bargaining units of CUPE 3903 had been reached. Executive
members expressed concern about the procedure proposed by the Employer
for the cancellation of classes in the event of a CUPE 3903 strike. The
Executive understands that only the Senate, and not the President, may
cancel classes in the event of a labour disruption and that Senate Policy
8 applies to such a situation, not Policy 6. A protest will be raised at
Senate by YUFA's Senator.
Susan Dimock, YUFA's President, reported on a disagreement with the Employer
over the interpretation of the text of the Pension Plan regarding pension
adjustments when the earnings of the fund fall below a four year average
of 6 percent. YUFA representatives to the University Pension
Committee, Walter Whitely and John Heddle, have been arguing YUFA's
position.
The Executive discussed the proposed resolution of a policy grievance
launched by YUFA over the issue of weekend examinations. Although
nothing in our contract prevents the university from scheduling exams on
the weekend, their announcement of weekend exams without proper
notification of a change of practice to the Joint Committee for the
Administration of the Agreement constituted a breach of the collective
agreement.
The grievance was approved, and the Executive passed a motion
"advising the university that weekend examinations not be
scheduled." It was agreed that such scheduling is a
burden to students and faculty.
The Executive approved a request by the Chief Stewards to hold a
supplementary Stewards' Council meeting on November 15th in order to
complete the agenda of the previous meeting.
The Executive approved funding for two YUFA members to attend the CAUT
Collective Bargaining Conference, January 31 to February 2, 2003 in
Ottawa. Applications are invited from interested YUFA members.
Ruthanna
Dyer's report on her attendance at the CAUT conference
"Women in the Professoriate," was received by the Executive.
The Executive discussed possible responses to President Marsden's written statement that classes would be suspended should CUPE 3903 strike. The Exec's response can be found by clicking here.
The YUFA Executive received a request for financial support from UpFront Theatre for the play "Reasoning with My Sisters," about the 6 December Montréal Massacre. The Executive voted to contribute $300 to the staging of the play.
Nancy Nichol has regrettably resigned from the Grievance Sub-committee. Suzie Young was appointed to the Sub-committee.
The Executive voted in favour of a Policy Grievance about inadequate examination support. The Employer is now requiring faculty to pick up examination booklets at a few central points and carry these to examination sites. In many cases this may mean hundreds of examination booklets.
The Executive discussed the Policy Grievance about the Fall examination schedule that has Friday night and weekend exam times. To see the Exec's statement to members about this schedule, click here.
The Membership Questionnaire on 2003 bargaining will be sent to members with a deadline for return of 22 November.
Luncheons for new YUFA members have been organized for 5 & 6 November. Executive members were encouraged to attend to meet new members.
Peter Harries-Jones is the new president of ARF (Association of Retired Faculty). The Executive voted unanimous thanks to Margaret Knittl who has advocated ARF issues so steadfastly. Upon retirement, YUFA members may join ARF that represents their interests to the Employer and to YUFA which bargains the retirement pensions and benefits issues in the collective agreement.
The Executive approved the recommendation that Harry Smaller be appointed as one of YUFA's representatives to the Toronto & York Region Labour Council.
The Executive received Ruthanna Dyer's report on her YUFA subsidized attendance at a CAUT conference on "Women in the Professoriate". Click here to read the report.
The Executive received notice of the 31 January - 2 February 2003 CAUT conference in Ottawa on Bargaining for Equity. Members may submit statements of interest to YUFA to receive costs to attend this conference.
15
October 2002
The Executive discussed concerns about rising teaching loads and class
sizes and how these issues are addressed in section 18.08 of our
collective agreement. It discussed the Joint Committee on Teaching
Load and Class Size as described in section 18.14, but never initiated.
Members are invited to apply for the opportunity to attend the OCUFA
conference, "The Future of Ontario Universities", 17 January
2003. YUFA will pay the costs of the Toronto conference for two
members in return for a report on the conference proceedings to be placed
on our Website.
The Administration recently brought to the Joint Committee for the
Administration of the Agreement (JCOAA) a proposal to move to a
bi-weekly pay period in preference to our current monthly pay cycle. Other
university employee groups have requested this change. The proposal is
not compatible with section 18.03 of our collective agreement. The
Executive heard arguments both for and against such a change.
The Executive received the OCUFA
discussion paper on Mandatory Retirement and will discuss it at a
future meeting.
Enakshi Dua of the School of Women's Studies, was appointed to the
Equity Subcommittee.
8 October 2002
The YUFA Executive voted to accept the Financial Statements for the year
ended 30 April 2002. These show that YUFA is in a strong
financial position. Look for a longer story on your union's finances
in the near future.
YUFA will appoint six members to the new YUFA / York Health and Safety
Committee.
The administration recently distributed a document providing advice for
the interpretation of HRDC hiring guidelines and their relation to
affirmative action policy. There was no prior consultation with YUFA
about this new advice despite the fact that hiring provisions are an
important part of the Collective Agreement.
The Executive heard about questions concerning the merit process and
particularly the criteria for eligibility as spelled out in the Collective
Agreement.
The Executive approved payment of $500 to support the Leonard
Peltier Defense Committee. The Executive also passed a motion
supporting the reopening of the Peltier case and urging CAUT
(Canadian Association of University Teachers) to support it. Leonard Peltier, a Canadian citizen, was accused of shooting an FBI agent at the
occupation of Wounded Knee. His extradition to the US has been
criticized as has his twenty-seven year long imprisonment on what appears
to be questionable evidence. The University of Victoria Faculty
Association has passed a similar motion.
The Executive approved a motion to call a meeting of the Teaching
Load and Class Size Committee as described in section 18.14 of the
Collective Agreement. This is a joint YUFA and administration
committee that has not been constituted despite its provision in the
Collective Agreement. The Committee will meet to request university-wide
information on workload and class size issues.
Executive received a report on the first Stewards' Council meeting. YUFA's
recently passed new constitution made provision for regular meetings of
the Stewards'
Council comprised of stewards from all the university's units.
1 October 2002
The Toronto Coalition for Post-Secondary Education, a group founded by the
Toronto &
York Region Labour Council, with the co-operation of YUFA, CUPE,
OCUFA, Ryerson Faculty Association, the United Steelworkers union and the
Canadian Federation of Students forwarded a brochure entitled 'Invest in
Higher Education, Invest in People" to be distributed to all YUFA
members.
James Porter, a YUFA member from Sociology, spoke to the Executive about OCAP (the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty) and its need for financial aid to clear a deficit for legal costs of almost $60,000. The Executive voted to send $1,000 to OCAP in support of their activities. The Executive also expressed support for OCAP's King Street housing project and pledged a further $1,000 towards the renovations of the building should OCAP obtain title to establish social housing on that property.
CUPE 3903 President Amy Lavender Harris and staff person Fred Ho made the Executive aware of ongoing contract talks between Unit 1, Unit 2 and the Employer. There was a discussion of the SRC (Special Renewable Contract) job category, a classification that occurs in the contracts of both CUPE 3903 and YUFA. SRCs give long-serving Unit 2 instructors full-time contracts and makes them members of YUFA. The SRC clause in our YUFA contract allowed for a specific pool of designated individuals to be given long term contracts. Not all of the individuals in that pool have been awarded SRCs. The YUFA Executive reaffirmed its support for the SRC program and for the facilitation of the appointment of all members of the current SRC pool as soon as possible.
Each member of the YUFA Executive has filed a work plan now available on YUFA's Website.
The Executive and ARF (Association of Retired Faculty) representative
Margaret Knittl, discussed ways to better represent to the Employer the
problems that retired faculty often have with pension and retirement
benefit issues. An ARF / YUFA liaison committee is studying the best way to
advance these issues.
The Treasurer submitted YUFA's audited statements for the year ending 30
April 2002. These will be discussed at the next Executive
meeting.
The Executive approved the payment of conference expenses to Barb Cameron
and Pat McDermott to attend the CLC
Women's Organizing Symposium; to Ruthanna Dyer and Jody Warner to attend
the OFL
conference on Accommodation and Disability Rights and Responsibilities; and
to Susan Dion and Jody Warner to attend the CLC conference Workers of
Colour and Aboriginal Peoples Conference. All of the conference will
be in Toronto. YUFA members are periodically invited to submit
requests to attend labour conferences.
The Executive voted to send $250 as support for the currently striking Wilfrid Laurier University Staff Association.
Provincial workplace health and safety legislation requires that YUFA and the administration set up a joint Health and Safety committee. The new committee will be formed in the near future. Members who are interested in taking part in this work should contact YUFA's President, Susan Dimock.
The Bargaining Priorities Committee had its first meeting. This committee helps determine what issues, such as benefits, salaries, equity, or workload, should have priority in bargaining for our next contract that will begin in the spring of 2003. A bargaining priorities questionnaire will be circulated to all members.
There are still vacancies on the Steward's Council and nominees for those positions are being sought. We need Stewards for the following units:
- Arts Economics
- Arts History
- Arts Humanities
- Kinesiology & Health Sciences
- LL&L
- Arts Psychology
- Arts Social Science
- Arts Sociology
- Social Work
- Atkinson Social Science
- Dance
- Music
- Theatre
- Glendon (all Groups except English)
- Schulich (2)
- Women's Studies
The Executive recently established the practice of inviting members to attend labour related conferences that may be of interest to them. YUFA will pay the costs of these conferences in return for a report from the member. The Executive requested short notes of interest from members who might be interested in attending the CLC Women's Organizing Symposium Oct 20-22 in Toronto and the CLC Workers of Colour and Aboriginal Peoples Conference, Nov. 28-30 in Toronto. Notices were sent out on the YUFA-M email list.
Members of the Stewards' Council were invited to apply to attend the CLC Ontario Region School in February 2003.
The Executive called upon the President of the University to form a representative committee to develop a labour practices and fair trade policy for university suppliers. A number of universities, most recently McMaster, have developed policies that attempt to ensure that products bought by the university and sold on the university campus are not produced in places or conditions that exploit workers.
The Executive voted $500 in support the Bent on Change II conference to be held Nov. 1-2 in Toronto.
Scott McLaren was appointed as Alternate CAUT Defence Fund Trustee.
10 September 2002
Executive discusses classroom safety, pay discrimination, hiring, and the implications of TEL:
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The Executive discussed and notified YUFA members of their responsibilities when faced with overcrowded lecture halls. A note outlining possible actions was sent to all members and posted in the Website.
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The YUFA Executive voted to advance to arbitration 29 more grievances of female faculty under the Employment Standards Act. These grievances arise from gender discrimination that affected both pay and ultimately pensions. The Executive also voted to advance to arbitration a systemic pay discrimination grievance covering all female faculty.
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The Executive discussed members' continuing concerns about the way that the University has chosen to implement the HRDC (Human Resources and Development Canada) hiring rules and whether they discriminate unfairly against Canadians applying for tenure track jobs. The system of considering all applications at once, as opposed to Canadians first, is leading hiring committees to declare Canadian candidates unqualified.
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Professor David Noble and Pablo Vivanco, Vice-president External Affairs of the York Federation of Students, representing an informal coalition opposed to the new TEL Building, discussed the effects of the funding of this new building on university finances. Professor Noble distributed copies of York’s application to the SuperBuild fund. The TEL building will be discussed in more detail in a story on the YUFA Website.
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YUFA reserved a table at the University’s Information Fair, held in the Vari rotunda September 3rd to 5th, with the intention of raising our profile among students and to promote unions in general. The table distributed information on YUFA and other unions at York and got wonderful cooperation from the OFL, UFCW, Steelworkers, CUPE, OPSEU, SEIU and CEP who all made generous donations of t-shirts, caps, bags, key-chains, water bottles as well as literature about specific campaigns. Hundreds of free items were given out to students. Thanks to Brett and Monica for helping with obtaining the union gear and for helping at the table.
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Jay Rahn volunteered to assist in preparing YUFA’s response to the Report of the Senate Special Action Subcommittee on the State of the University. This Senate report discusses labour relations at York.
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Joanne Chumakov was appointed to serve on the Bargaining Priorities Sub-committee.
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There are vacancies on the Stewards’ Council with some units still lacking representation.
YUFA joins OFL, moves to arbitration on Executive MBA grievance:
- The Executive unanimously passed a motion to have
YUFA join the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL). For more
details, see the accompanying
story.
- The Executive passed a motion to appoint a small working group to consider creating a position similar to a union steward with responsibilities for monitoring the extended health and dental plan benefits of YUFA associate (retired) members.
- The Stewards' Council will meet for the first time on 4 October. There are still vacancies in a number of units, check the Website to see if your unit is lacking representation.
- YUFA's president, Susan Dimock, issued an invitation to interested members to get involved in drafting a YUFA response to the report of the Special Subcommittee of Senate on the State of the University.
The report arose out of the CUPE 3903 strike.- YUFA's staff, who are members of CUPE 1281, have ratified a contract that will extend to 2006.
- The Bargaining Priorities Committee is now meeting prior to the end of our contract in the spring of 2003. The committee is drafting a questionnaire to be sent to all members this autumn. Ruthanna Dyer has joined the committee.
- The Executive voted to move to arbitration the grievance over rates of pay for teaching in the new Schulich-Kellog executive MA programme. Members teaching extra courses in this programme are paid at three times the rate allowed in the Collective Agreement.
Executive meets with OFL:
- Wayne Samuelson, President of the Ontario Federation of Labour, attended the meeting to discuss the benefits to YUFA of an affiliation with the OFL. He discussed ongoing OFL campaigns including an OFL report, "The Privatization of Ontario's Education System: 1995-2001." OFL affiliated unions represent about 650,000 white and blue-collar workers in Ontario. YUFA's affiliation will cost about $7,000 per year. Many York faculty already have strong ties to the OFL and participate in research projects and campaigns. Prior to YUFA joining NUCAUT (National Union of the Canadian Association of University Teachers) and the CLC (Canadian Labour Congress), it could not be a member of the OFL.
- YUFA's delegates to the founding convention of NUCAUT and the annual convention of the CLC, Noreen Pupo and Harry Smaller, presented their report on the conventions to the Executive.
- Vice President External, Nick Lary, reported that the OCUFA (Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations) meeting of June 2002 passed a resolution to advocate that changes be made to the Ontario Human Rights Code which would facilitate the abandonment of compulsory retirement in Ontario universities.
- YUFA's staff, who are represented by union local CUPE 1281, gave notice to bargain their lapsed collective agreement. The Labour Management Committee of Susan Dimock, Bob MacDermid, Jay Rahn and Jody Nyasha Warner will constitute YUFA's bargaining team.
New Executive gets down to work:
- This was the first meeting of the new Executive that will remain in office until 2004.
- President Susan Dimock reported that the YUFA staff, members of CUPE Local 1281, have given YUFA notice to bargain. The staff agreement ran from 1997 to 2001 and continued until June 2002 under the old agreement.
- The Executive voted to donate $500 to the National Action Committee on the Status of Women.
- YUFA will be sending delegates to the founding convention of NUCAUT (National Union of the Canadian Association of University Teachers). The same delegates will attend the CLC (Canadian Labour Congress) as YUFA is now a member of that organization through our membership in NUCAUT. Noreen Pupo and Harry Smaller will attend both conventions.
- The Grievance Committee needs more members, particularly from Education, Schulich, FPAS and Glendon. Please consider applying.
- The Executive received the report Academic Librarians in the Digital Age by Maura Matesic.
Getting ready for 2002-2004
The Acting Chair gave Executive an update on Steward nominations and applications for the following Sub-Committees: Equity, Contract and Grievance and the Bargaining Priorities. So far, thirteen Steward nominations have been received. For more information on the role of the stewards and the Council, click here.
Fighting Back Against Bill 28
Executive
expressed solidarity and support for a student-led initiative at UBC
that is rallying against the provisions of Bill 28, recently introduced
by the Campbell government. Bill
28, the Public Education Flexibility and Choice, gives colleges and
universities the power to override collective agreements in the
province, and unilaterally increase classes and workload. For
more information
click here. Click here for the
full text of the
legislation.
Local Hearing
Executive members passed a motion of thanks and congratulations to Lorna Erwin, Maura Matesic, CAUT, YUFA staff and local community members for their efforts in organizing the successful Community Local Hearing, which was held on 7 March 2002. Over the next few weeks, Executive will concrete explore ways to follow up the concerns and ideas raised at the hearing. Full story is at: http://www.yufa.org/news/hearing.html
Meeting with President and VP designate Brewer
Executive discussed plans for meeting with the President and the VP designate Gary Brewer. As per article 7.07 of the Collective Agreement, the President and designated senior administrators and the Executive Committee shall, upon request of either the President or the Association, meet together once in each of the August and Winter terms to discuss matters of mutual interest and concern to the University. YUFA looks forward to this opportunity to discuss the state of labour relations on campus, and establish a working relationship between the Administration and the incoming members of Executive.
External Representatives: CAUT Council and NUCAUT / CLC
YUFA will be well represented at two upcoming conferences – CAUT Council (April 25-28), and NUCAUT / CLC (June 8-14). Atkinson representative and former VP Organisation Leslie Sanders will attend CAUT Council, and YUFA members Noreen Pupo and Harry Smaller will be the YUFA delegates at the NUCAUT / CLC conference.
4 March
Applications for YUFA Sub-Committees
Executive members agreed to open the call for applications for the Equity and Grievance Subcommittees. The committee also approved the creation of the Bargaining Priorities Subcommittee, and agreed that the Chair would be selected by and from the committee. The Vice Chair Organisation will also be a standing member of this committee. The primary responsibility of this group will be to gather information about member’s priorities for the next round of negotiations. For more information, click here.
JCOAA-Co-Chair Report
Executive
members reviewed the JCOAA’s Co-Chair report, and agreed to express to
the Co-Chair the concern that outstanding matters related to the YUFA-ARF
Benefits Trust be resolved at JCOAA in a timely manner.
It was noted that Brenda Spotton Visano has agreed to stay on for
another year as JCOAA Co-Chair.
OCAP
Donation
The committee approved a donation in the amount of $100 to cover expenses for those attending the trial of 15 June demonstration arrestees.
Dalhousie Faculty Association Standing Donation
A standing donation to the Dalhousie Faculty Association was approved as they begin their strike action. An accompanying letter of support will be sent to the DFA as a gesture of solidarity. See the DFA Website for more details.
Joint Committee on Teaching Load and Class Size
This Committee, as defined by Art. 18.14 of the Agreement, is charged with the task of studying the issue of teaching load, including class size. It is comprised of representatives from YUFA and the Employer. Leslie Sanders, Keith Aldridge and Doug Freake are the YUFA representatives. As part of their work, this committee will be holding public meetings and conducting small focus groups to gather member feedback on issues around workload. Executive agreed to fund costs associated with these events in the coming year.
Executive continues Officer and representative
recruiting efforts.
Recruitment Continues ...
Executive members discussed the progress of nominations for the 2002 / 2004
Officer positions, and the plans for recruiting representatives for the
newly formed Stewards' Council. Current Vice Chair Organisation, Susan
Dimock has been working hard on behalf of Executive to recruit nominations
for Stewards' Council, and will bring a formalized plan to Executive in the
future.
Solidarity and Sponsorship
Labour Archive Event: Executive approved a donation towards a small
reception at the Library Archives to honour the arrival of the papers of
Ray Stephens, an important activist in the International Union of Mine,
Mill, & Smelter Workers from the 1930s to 1960s. The reception will
help to draw attention to the important acquisition, and encourage future
donations from prominent labour activists. The event will likely be held
in March, and will take place at the Archives.
March 8 / 21 Coalition: Executive members discussed and approved YUFA’s co-sponsorship of a series of public educational activities that will be held during the month of March, commemorating International Women’s Day and the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Planned events include guest speakers, panel discussions, film and video screenings that address concerns of sexism and racism. The events are being organized by the Centre fro Race and Ethnic Relations and the Office of the University Advisor on the Status of Women at York.
NUCAUT / Canadian Labour Congress Conference Representatives
The committee approved funds to send two YUFA delegates and one staff member to the NUCAUT / Canadian Labour Congress Conference, being held on June 8-9 in Vancouver. Strong representation from YUFA is critical in these early stages of the National Union, as it provides an opportunity to shape the direction and priorities of this national body.
28 January 2002No lack of big issues for Exec: leadership, priorities, pensions, political action, & workload.
General Election nominations set
to open
First on the Executive agenda was a discussion of opening nominations for
the 2001 / 02 General Election.
The committee agreed to hold nominations from 29
January to 28 February,
allowing enough time for anticipated absences during reading week.
For more information on elections and positions,
click here.
Elected members working
for you … Winter / Spring
2002 Work
Plan approved
Executive approved the Executive Work Plan for Winter / Spring 2002, which
outlines the ongoing responsibilities and key projects to be carried out
by current Officers and Executive Representatives. The work plan,
introduced as part of the proposed amendments to YUFA By-laws last fall,
serves to improve and entrench the accountability of YUFA’s elected
officers, and keep membership informed about the day-to-day work that is
being done on their behalf. To
read the Plan, click here.
Anti-cuts
rally and CFS Day of Action
Executive endorsed
the Canadian Federation of Student’s National Day of Action, to be held
on 6 Feb.
2002. As part of the day’s events, an on-campus rally is
being organized by York students and unions. For more information,
click here.
Update on pension issues
Executive invited Walter Whiteley, Trustee, York University Pension
Trust Fund to update the Committee on matters relating to the pension
fund, and highlight issues that are currently affecting members. Walter
answered a number of questions and provided clarification on several
matters relating to the governance, performance and administration of
the pension plan. Executive agreed to invite Walter to another meeting
to continue the discussion. For more information on pensions and
retirement, click
here and here.
Joint Committee on workload
Doug Freake and Leslie Sanders, YUFA representatives on the Joint
Committee on Teaching Load and Class Size (first
struck in the mid-'90s and dormant since), spoke to Executive
about the work that this committee will undertake over the next year. As
per Art. 18.14
of the Collective Agreement, this Committee has a mandate to explore
and report on the issue of teaching loads, including class sizes. Teaching
loads emerged as a top concern of YUFA memb