Emily Carr University Starts Bargaining

The last few years have seen many changes with the introduction of new universities and Emily Carr Institute being one of many affected by this. While the parties exchanged proposals on June 29th, the University highlighted that they are facing a challenging year without any certainty on funding. They also have advised us that the provincial government has established a freeze on any wage increases.

Steve Baker, Negotiator says our Bargaining Committee is not impressed with the lack of commitment from the government to properly fund this “new” university. Even with the announcement of a new building at Great Northern Way, the government is not providing adequate funding for operating the current programs. A net zero mandate is not respecting the increased cost of living the provincial government is imposing on all workers.

Paul Faoro, President is amazed at the lack of priority this government is extending to the committed staff members at Emily Carr. We are not in a hurry to get to zero and expect many issues will be addressed when bargaining continues into the Fall.