Academic Staff Bargaining Update Faculty Negotiations Continue on Tues., Jan. 26

Faculty negotiations took place January 19, 20 and 21, 2010. Both parties agreed to a recess and returned to the bargaining table on Tuesday, January 26. We will keep you advised when new information becomes available.

Below is a copy of Questions and Answers for students and staff. These Q and A's will be updated as new or additional information is provided.

An automated message line has been activated at 519-452-4438.

STUDENT Q&A

1. Will there be a strike since the provincial vote was in favour of one?

Not necessarily, and we are hopeful a strike can be averted. Negotiations took place on January 19, 20 and 21. A mutually-agreed to recess has been called and discussions resumed again on Tuesday, January 26.

2. Because Fanshawe faculty voted against the strike, will you be open even if there is a province-wide strike?

Our focus right now is to avoid a strike at any college. However, in the event of a labour disruption, the College would remain open for access to homework labs, libraries and other services.

3. Would classes be cancelled if there is a strike?

It is too soon to speculate. In the past, most day-time classes were cancelled, affecting most full-time post-secondary students at all campuses. However, the College would remain open for access to homework labs, libraries and other services. Our focus right now is to avoid a strike.

4. What is the most important information for all of us to know?

It is business as usual for the College. Students should come to class and stay on top of their course load including homework and assignments.

5. Will students be reimbursed money if they lose their semester to a strike?

The colleges will use semester completion plans to help students complete their studies. In the past, no students lost their year unless the student decided to withdraw.

6. Would that mean the school year would be extended?

We don't have that information at this time however the College would do everything possible to lessen the impact on students. If and when a strike is imminent, students will get more information on semester completion strategies, but we hope that won't be necessary.

7. What message do you have for students who rely on summer jobs if the semester is prolonged into the summer?

Colleges would use semester completion plans to lessen the impact on students. No one wants students to be disadvantaged for summer jobs.

8. When could a strike take place?

Again, we are hopeful that there will not be a strike. However, if that were to happen, the Union must give five days notice of their intent to strike.

9. What are the main issues?

The two main issues are salary and workload. The colleges have provided an eight per cent increase to salary over four years that would increase the maximum salary to approximately $104,000 with no increase to workload.

10. What message do you have for students?

Stay informed and stay active. Engage with your teachers, your classmates and your student leaders. This is your education and you have every right to know how it might be affected. Continue to attend classes. Stay on top of your assignments and watch for further information from the College.

11. How will we find out?

Through the FSU at www.fsu.ca and College www.fanshawec.ca websites, Fanshawe Online and the College message line 519-452-4438. Email messages to students will also be sent if new information becomes available. We will put messages in your student newspaper and on College radio stations as well as through other media and social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.