UPEI faculty, supporters rally outside legislature to mark 5th day of strike
Several dozen striking University of Prince Edward Island faculty members and their supporters rallied outside the provincial legislature Friday.
It came as the fifth day of strike action by the UPEI Faculty Association (UPEIFA) wrapped up. They want pay equity for contract academics, recovery of lost wages and protection against future inflation, among other things on their negotiation wish list.
Michael Arfken, a psychology professor and president of the UPEIFA, says his team is ready to meet but UPEI administrators aren’t interested.
“They’ve just said no,” said Arfken.
In a release, the university says it’s made offers to the faculty by email. Arfken says that’s not good enough.
“We can’t really negotiate by email, and that’s not how negotiations are supposed to take place anyway,” he said.
The university also says it’s offered binding arbitration, but the union says that would only solve salary issues and not broader ones like part-time instructor pay, staffing levels, class sizes, and research support.
“We’re ready to meet. Everyone that we know of has called on the parties to meet. The only people who think that’s a bad idea is, apparently, the UPEI board of governors,” said Arfken.
Arfken says morale of union members has improved in the first week on the picket line.
The university settled a contract with its support staff this week, announcing Friday CUPE members had ratified a new contract, though some members of that union were on the picket line Friday to show support for the still on strike UPEIFA.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.