The bargaining committee is frustrated by SFU's inability to get past process and deal with real and substantive workplace issues over the first three days of negotiations. The university has resisted meaningful dialogue about our issues and reverted to discussions about what the TSSU can say and when. Since September 28th we have tabled seven specific non-monetary proposals, yet the university refused to discuss them. In order to avoid unproductive process discussions and actually address the substance of our issues the bargaining committee decided to step away from the table and return on November 2nd with a complete package of language proposals.
On September 14th, 2010, our bargaining committee provided SFU with a list of issues to be addressed during this round of Collective Agreement negotiations. Here is our list for Teaching Assistants, Sessional Instructors, Tutor Markers and Non-credit Instructors:
Fair employment opportunities, including:
- posting
- priority for employment
- selection process
- fair system of evaluation
- seniority rights
- hours of work
- access to work
Definitions
Ensure access to improved benefits, perquisites, vacation
Improve conflict resolution mechanisms
Update Technological Change language
Improve commitments to Professional Development
Update Occupational Health and Safety language
Address Childcare Bursary inequities
Reasonable monetary improvements
Review, amend and/or renew attachments and Memorandum of Understandings as appropriate
Housekeeping
Our bargaining team met last Tuesday with the university to exchange a list of issues to be tabled during negotiations this round. The meeting lasted four hours and both sides had some issues in common. The university re-assured us that they were in the room to bargain in good faith. We will be meeting again next Tuesday.