McGuinty Sends In Mediator To Resolve Tense York U Strike
Posted January 21, 2009 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The strike at York University has kept 50,000 students out of the classroom and has lasted nearly three months.
On Wednesday, Premier Dalton McGuinty used one of the tools in his arsenal to rescue the stranded students – though it didn’t pack the punch some had hoped.
“We think the most important thing we can do to bring about a speedy resolution to this matter is to send in our top mediator, provide that individual with a limited amount of time, just explore the possibility of bringing the sides together,” he explained at a press conference.
Others, including Ontario Conservative leader John Tory, had hoped back-to-work legislation would be discussed.
“Hey, Dalton, it’s 11 weeks. How speedy is speedy?” asks Conservative MPP Peter Sherman.
“While I respect collective bargaining…I don’t think there is good faith here. Not only that, you have to ask the question: This is 2009, where is it you think you live? There are people getting pink slips all over this province.”
McGuinty expressed disappointment at the union’s rejection of the university’s latest offer and said he is sending in mediator Reg Pearson to “bang some heads together.”
According to CUPE spokesperson Tyler Shipley, it’s a much-needed step.
“I don’t know what it’s going to take to get through to that administration that they have to bargain with us. All I know is we have been committed to the process from the outset. We have been kept waiting at the bargaining table so many times…what an incredible waste of our time.”
It’s a sentiment that rings false to at least one student.
“The union is being greedy, it’s being selfish and I wish they would get done with it and get back to class. I’m absolutely fed up. This is a disgrace,” fumed one man on campus.
“I think McGuinty’s being lazy,” countered third-year student Wahid.
A two-day vote initiated by the university and conducted by the Ministry of Labour ended Tuesday night, with about 63 per cent of those who participated rejecting the latest offer. Afterwards, members shouted “Shame! Shame!” at the administration (pictured).
An estimated 2,400 of about 3,300 eligible CUPE 3093 members cast ballots, including teaching assistants, graduate assistants and contract faculty. They found York’s offer didn’t properly address their demands for job security and wages and were back at the bargaining table Wednesday.
“It’s unthinkable that people who are fully qualified – often have PhDs, publications – are still forced to reapply for every single course they teach,” Shipley noted.
But the administration refuses to join them, saying their latest offer, which would include a 10.7 per cent pay hike over three years, is the best it can do.
“I will not compromise the academic and financial stability of a great institution. We are making them an offer that’s actually…very comprehensive, a very good offer,” stated York president Mamdouh Shoukri.
Later in a press release, he praised the premier.
“We welcome this initiative by Premier McGuinty which has introduced a new dynamic into the situation. This strike has gone on for far too long and has been highly destructive for our 50,000 students. We look forward to Reg Pearson’s involvement in the hope that it will lead to a speedy resolution.”
The full-time students have been out of the classroom since November 6th when workers walked off the job. Even if those members are forced back to work, the school year is expected to extend into June and July, and the school’s summer session could be cancelled.
To find out what both sides – and York students – have to say, check out the following sites:
Union members shout “Shame! Shame!” following Tuesday’s vote.
