At the bargaining table we are trying to

• Let our grad students work!

Right now 25% of all TA/TM appointments go outside the graduate student body. Our proposals would ensure that graduate students have priority access to this work.  SFU's response? :  This is not a problem.  NO.

• Value teaching experience

Contingent labour currently accounts for 20% of all course sections taught at SFU.  In order to protect academic freedom and integrity, we want real seniority rights for Sessional Instructors and the establishment of continuing positions for ELC/ITP Instructors.  SFU's response? :  This is not a problem.  NO.

• Respect professional teachers

Our proposals would ensure that continuing employees have similar benefits and working conditions to other continuing SFU employees.  SFU's response? : This is not a problem.  NO.

We have been at the bargaining table since September but other than a few minor housekeeping changes there has been no progress.  SFU has made it very clear they are not prepared to make any language changes to the Collective Agreement.  On Tuesday, March 1st we told the employer that we needed to step back from the table in order to consult with our membership.