Today was the first bargaining session since the 92% 'yes' strike mandate. The Contract Committee was optimistic that today's meeting with the Employer would signal a change in the direction of bargaining. Our collective voice has secured us three consecutive bargaining dates from May 13-15th, but we need to generate more pressure to assure that those three days are spent in meaningful negotiations.During the lunchtime caucus of today's bargaining session, your Strike and Contract committees unanimously decided to serve 72 hour strike notice to push bargaining forward. We need a contract and we are willing and eager to reach a collective agreement that protects the rights and working conditions of our membership.

What we are asking for are best practices from institutions across Canada and already in place in some SFU departments. We are bargaining for the future of SFU so that the needs of our workers meet the needs of the changing classroom of the 21st century.

Once the 72-hour period has passed, an overtime ban will be in place as our first job action.

Updates are always posted at http://bargaining.tssu.ca

Queries can be submitted by email at tssu(at)tssu.ca and by phone at 778.782.4735

Official Press release found here

All members are invited to come to any or all of bargaining sessions as an adviser - just email us by the day before bargaining.

Solidarity,

On behalf of the Strike and Contract Committees

Above Photo: Members of the Contract Committee, Strike Committee, and General TSSU members in front of the President's office after serving our 72-hour strike notice.