The strike at Brandon University (BU) is over! A tentative agreement was reached on November 25 between BU and the Brandon University Faculty Association (BUFA). Classes resumed the evening of November 28.
The agreement was reached through collective bargaining, just days before BUFA members were set to decide, in a government-ordered vote, whether or not to accept the previous offer of the administration.
In a letter to the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) Council, BUFA President and Chief Negotiator Joe Dolecki said, “This represents a fundamental victory and a tribute to our members’ inner strength, determination, sacrifice and solidarity during the 44-day strike.” He added, “We preserved free collective bargaining on our campus and served notice to the Employer that we will do whatever it takes to defend our members, our students, our university, and our Collective Agreement now and in the future.”
Details of the tentative agreement are confidential, as it still must be ratified by BUFA members, and the administration.
Throughout the strike, UMFA stood in solidarity with our colleagues in Brandon. Contributions of $7,500 were made in support, and UMFA members walked picket lines alongside BUFA members. In addition, UMFA President Cameron Morrill sent a letter to Labour Minister Jennifer Howard expressing disappointment with, and requesting a retraction of, the vote order.
BUFA members faced tremendous pressure from the public and the government, suffered the effects of biased media reporting and were forced to contend with government interference. Yet, the support from colleagues, students and members of the public remained strong for BUFA. BUFA members stood together and were able to see the collective bargaining process upheld – a victory for all member associations nationwide.
BUFA members still have a difficult road ahead, as Senate resets the academic semester and students will need to meet the requirements needed to complete their courses in a compressed timeframe.
Also, BUFA has filed complaints with the Manitoba Labour Board against the University for engaging in unfair labor practices during the early days of the strike. On three occasions, the administration sent individual letters to striking members urging them to go back to work. In addition, a BUFA member has claimed that his/her tenure application was threatened by a member of senior administration. The meeting with the Labour Board was scheduled to occur the last week of November.