‘There’s a lot of uncertainty among students': Concern grows as U of L faculty strike reaches day 18
Unfair Labour Practice complaint filed against the U of L
ULFA members on the picket line outside the U of L February 18, 2022.
Outstanding issues between the two sides include pay and benefits, academic freedom and some departments at the school being restructured.
Jayden Wasney
CTV News Lethbridge Video Journalist
Published March 1, 2022
LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. -
The University of Lethbridge’s faculty association (ULFA) has filed an unfair labour practice complaint against the University of Lethbridge. The complaint alleges that the school's board of governors have refused to bargain seriously during their current round of negotiations, which began in 2020.
The complaint put forth by the ULFA states that the board of governors has been engaging in "surface bargaining," which means a party has shown up to the table, but has refused to engage seriously with the other party's proposals, and in some cases, refusing to bargain at all.
“That is the strongest evidence you could ask for to see of a board of governors and an administration that has completely forgotten how you treat faculty and students with respect,” said ULFA president Dan O’Donnell.
The university however counter-claimed that it was the ULFA that recently refused repeated invitations to meet with the board of governors.
O’Donnell said that claim is false.
“The University of Lethbridge Faculty Association has never refused an invitation to the table in two years,” said O’Donnell.
“The same cannot be said of the board of governors side, and since the beginning of the lockout, the board of governors has received multiple unconditional invitations from ULFA.”
Outstanding issues between the two sides include pay and benefits, academic freedom and some departments at the school being restructured. The uncertainty of when classes will resume is only making matters worse for students as frustration grows.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty among students for graduating, for earning credits, for earning grades,” said student union president Holly Kletke.
“Lots of students take this semester to apply to grad school or scholarships and awards, so this puts a lot of uncertainty among students, but we’re doing everything we can to ensure both sides get back to the table.”
Kletke added that the students' union has a plan in the works to try and get both sides back to the bargaining table in the coming days, as the uncertainty of the strike is also creating mental health concerns among students.
“Having this thrown at us right now is the worst time for students' mental health,” said student Kayla Walker.
“We were just getting organized with COVID, me especially, I was just kind of getting my ball rolling after the new year, things were going to go back after COVID, and the stress of this I think is unmatched from anything else in my life.”
One student at the U of L who has received mental health training from the Mental Health Commission of Canada is offering her support and advice to students who are struggling.
“Since the strike has started we've gotten a lot of reports of students turning to substance use for example, and of course this falls during a pandemic at which point our mental health is already been questioned, and mental illness is definitely being exacerbated here,” said student Priyanka Dutt.
“I think what it comes down to is knowing your peers are available to support you, and while the institution might not be showing you that they care, your peers, colleges, faculty and I are all here for you.”
CTV reached out to the University of Lethbridge for comment about the unfair labour practice complaint. The university stated that "the ULFA’s recent complaint is without merit, and is unlikely to facilitate a productive return to bargaining."
On February 3rd, the university filed a bad faith bargaining complaint against the faculty association, claiming they derailed negotiations by withdrawing from salary discussions and reopening issues previously resolved.
Jayden Wasney
CTV News Lethbridge Video Journalist
Published March 1, 2022
LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. -
The University of Lethbridge’s faculty association (ULFA) has filed an unfair labour practice complaint against the University of Lethbridge. The complaint alleges that the school's board of governors have refused to bargain seriously during their current round of negotiations, which began in 2020.
The complaint put forth by the ULFA states that the board of governors has been engaging in "surface bargaining," which means a party has shown up to the table, but has refused to engage seriously with the other party's proposals, and in some cases, refusing to bargain at all.
“That is the strongest evidence you could ask for to see of a board of governors and an administration that has completely forgotten how you treat faculty and students with respect,” said ULFA president Dan O’Donnell.
The university however counter-claimed that it was the ULFA that recently refused repeated invitations to meet with the board of governors.
O’Donnell said that claim is false.
“The University of Lethbridge Faculty Association has never refused an invitation to the table in two years,” said O’Donnell.
“The same cannot be said of the board of governors side, and since the beginning of the lockout, the board of governors has received multiple unconditional invitations from ULFA.”
Outstanding issues between the two sides include pay and benefits, academic freedom and some departments at the school being restructured. The uncertainty of when classes will resume is only making matters worse for students as frustration grows.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty among students for graduating, for earning credits, for earning grades,” said student union president Holly Kletke.
“Lots of students take this semester to apply to grad school or scholarships and awards, so this puts a lot of uncertainty among students, but we’re doing everything we can to ensure both sides get back to the table.”
Kletke added that the students' union has a plan in the works to try and get both sides back to the bargaining table in the coming days, as the uncertainty of the strike is also creating mental health concerns among students.
“Having this thrown at us right now is the worst time for students' mental health,” said student Kayla Walker.
“We were just getting organized with COVID, me especially, I was just kind of getting my ball rolling after the new year, things were going to go back after COVID, and the stress of this I think is unmatched from anything else in my life.”
One student at the U of L who has received mental health training from the Mental Health Commission of Canada is offering her support and advice to students who are struggling.
“Since the strike has started we've gotten a lot of reports of students turning to substance use for example, and of course this falls during a pandemic at which point our mental health is already been questioned, and mental illness is definitely being exacerbated here,” said student Priyanka Dutt.
“I think what it comes down to is knowing your peers are available to support you, and while the institution might not be showing you that they care, your peers, colleges, faculty and I are all here for you.”
CTV reached out to the University of Lethbridge for comment about the unfair labour practice complaint. The university stated that "the ULFA’s recent complaint is without merit, and is unlikely to facilitate a productive return to bargaining."
On February 3rd, the university filed a bad faith bargaining complaint against the faculty association, claiming they derailed negotiations by withdrawing from salary discussions and reopening issues previously resolved.
Unfair Labour Practice complaint filed against the U of L
ULFA members on the picket line outside the U of L February 18, 2022.
Photo: LNN
By Cathy Gibson
Feb 28, 2022 | 5:37 PM
Lethbridge, AB. — *Updated information with U of L’s response.*
The University of Lethbridge Faculty Association (ULFA) says it has filed an Unfair Labour Practice complaint with the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) against the University of Lethbridge Board of Governors.
In the complaint, the ULFA alleges that the U of L Board has refused to bargain seriously throughout the current round of negotiations. The ULFA accuses the U of L Board of what it calls “surface bargaining” — which is when a party shows up at the negotiating table, but refuses to engage seriously with the other party’s proposals.
In a news release dated February 28, 2022, the ULFA stated that, “According to the complaint, the University Administration has engaged in a concerted and ongoing effort to avoid genuine and productive bargaining with the Association…'”
The ULFA alleges that the U of L Board of Governors falsely accused the union of refusing to meet to negotiate. The ULFA says it has never refused to meet with the U of L Board during this round of negotiations, and it says the Board has actually refused in writing to meet with the ULFA on three different occasions since the job action started.
ULFA members went on strike February 10, 2022, and the University locked out faculty members the following day. The ULFA has been without a contract since June 2020.
READ MORE: University of Lethbridge faculty on strike
READ MORE: University of Lethbridge lockout begins
“It is the students that suffer most,” said ULFA President Dan O’Donnell. “We are not the only university in Alberta suffering under budget cuts and a secret government mandate. And yet when it comes to settling our differences and keeping students in classes, only the University of Lethbridge Board of Governors seems unable to make the hard but fair choices that are required to get our students back to class.”
READ MORE: U of L says striking faculty need to make concessions
READ MORE: U of L students join professors on the picket lines
The ULFA complaint asks the ALRB to provide four years of annual financial statements and to require the two sides to meet under the oversight of a provincial mediator.
“It may be that this is the only way we’ll be able to reach [an] agreement,” said ULFA bargaining team member, Joy Morris. “It’s worked everywhere else. After two years of spinning our wheels, it’s time we get this settled and start catching up on the semester.”
University of Lethbridge statement in response to the ULFA’s complaint filed with the Alberta Labour Relations Board:
“ULFA’s recent complaint before the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) is without merit and is unlikely to facilitate a productive return to bargaining.
We continue to seek a negotiated settlement at the collective bargaining table.
We look forward to the union’s participation in productive discussions that reflect the impacts of our provincial funding cuts, and the fundamental need for financial stability.”
READ MORE: ULFA strike drags on
READ MORE: U of L and Lethbridge College lose millions in funding
Feb 28, 2022 | 5:37 PM
Lethbridge, AB. — *Updated information with U of L’s response.*
The University of Lethbridge Faculty Association (ULFA) says it has filed an Unfair Labour Practice complaint with the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) against the University of Lethbridge Board of Governors.
In the complaint, the ULFA alleges that the U of L Board has refused to bargain seriously throughout the current round of negotiations. The ULFA accuses the U of L Board of what it calls “surface bargaining” — which is when a party shows up at the negotiating table, but refuses to engage seriously with the other party’s proposals.
In a news release dated February 28, 2022, the ULFA stated that, “According to the complaint, the University Administration has engaged in a concerted and ongoing effort to avoid genuine and productive bargaining with the Association…'”
The ULFA alleges that the U of L Board of Governors falsely accused the union of refusing to meet to negotiate. The ULFA says it has never refused to meet with the U of L Board during this round of negotiations, and it says the Board has actually refused in writing to meet with the ULFA on three different occasions since the job action started.
ULFA members went on strike February 10, 2022, and the University locked out faculty members the following day. The ULFA has been without a contract since June 2020.
READ MORE: University of Lethbridge faculty on strike
READ MORE: University of Lethbridge lockout begins
“It is the students that suffer most,” said ULFA President Dan O’Donnell. “We are not the only university in Alberta suffering under budget cuts and a secret government mandate. And yet when it comes to settling our differences and keeping students in classes, only the University of Lethbridge Board of Governors seems unable to make the hard but fair choices that are required to get our students back to class.”
READ MORE: U of L says striking faculty need to make concessions
READ MORE: U of L students join professors on the picket lines
The ULFA complaint asks the ALRB to provide four years of annual financial statements and to require the two sides to meet under the oversight of a provincial mediator.
“It may be that this is the only way we’ll be able to reach [an] agreement,” said ULFA bargaining team member, Joy Morris. “It’s worked everywhere else. After two years of spinning our wheels, it’s time we get this settled and start catching up on the semester.”
University of Lethbridge statement in response to the ULFA’s complaint filed with the Alberta Labour Relations Board:
“ULFA’s recent complaint before the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) is without merit and is unlikely to facilitate a productive return to bargaining.
We continue to seek a negotiated settlement at the collective bargaining table.
We look forward to the union’s participation in productive discussions that reflect the impacts of our provincial funding cuts, and the fundamental need for financial stability.”
READ MORE: ULFA strike drags on
READ MORE: U of L and Lethbridge College lose millions in funding
Eloise Therien
A couple dozen students could be seen occupying a University of Lethbridge hallway on Monday and Tuesday in demonstration. They were protesting the continued impasse in labour negotiations at the post-secondary institution.
A couple dozen students could be seen occupying a University of Lethbridge hallway on Monday and Tuesday in demonstration. They were protesting the continued impasse in labour negotiations at the post-secondary institution.
© Eloise Therien / Global News University of Lethbridge students began sit-in protests outside administration offices on Feb. 28 amid the ongoing faculty association strike.
They brought posters and signs in support of faculty, setting up camp outside administration offices in University Hall.
"We have our own voice and we're going to use it," said Amy Mendenhall. "We're using it right now."
Mendenhall is a fourth-year Indigenous Studies student who feels frustrated with the pace of negotiations. The strike began on Feb. 10, and students were supposed to resume in-person learning on Monday.
"We have tried everything up to this point to get attention," Mendenhall explained. "We went to an open (board of governors) meeting where they put down our hands, we have (written) letters, we have tweeted at them. We have done everything we can."
Video: Post-secondary schools discuss negotiation differences as U of L strike continues
According to students, they were approached by security on Monday for being too loud after they had been playing music and chanting.
Mendenhall said they then "toned it down".
"If they feel disrupted, well, welcome to the club."
The U of L issued a statement saying students have a legitimate right to protest, asking staff not to interrupt their demonstrations.
"As these activities unfold our community has a shared responsibility to respect these rights of students, in an atmosphere of mutual respect," the statement read.
On Tuesday, a resolution was no closer at hand. Both the administration and the ULFA engaged in finger-pointing, with administration saying the biggest contention is around money, while the faculty association claims the most contentious issues that remain are equity, transparency, and shared decision-making.
Read more:
Expert warns CUEFA strike could lead to more job action by faculty associations in Alberta
Both sides are accusing the other of refusing to return to the negotiating table.
The stalemate lead the ULFA to file an unfair labor practice complaint against the board of governors on Monday.
“It may be that this is the only way we’ll be able to reach agreement,” ULFA bargaining team member Joy Morris said. “It’s worked everywhere else. After two years of spinning our wheels, it’s time we get this settled and start catching up on the semester.”
Video: University of Lethbridge student solidarity groups show support for faculty association amid job action
"It proposes solutions to how we think we can get out of this impasse," ULFA president Dan O'Donnell added. "These are solutions that we know work because they've worked at every other university in the country. That's why we are the only university that has still got its students not in class."
However, the University of Lethbridge telling Global News the "recent complaint before the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) is without merit and is unlikely to facilitate a productive return to bargaining.
"We continue to seek a negotiated settlement at the collective bargaining table."
The U of L added it has been impacted by provincial funding cuts and looks forward to productive discussions with the union that reflect the impacts of the fundamental need for financial stability.
They brought posters and signs in support of faculty, setting up camp outside administration offices in University Hall.
"We have our own voice and we're going to use it," said Amy Mendenhall. "We're using it right now."
Mendenhall is a fourth-year Indigenous Studies student who feels frustrated with the pace of negotiations. The strike began on Feb. 10, and students were supposed to resume in-person learning on Monday.
"We have tried everything up to this point to get attention," Mendenhall explained. "We went to an open (board of governors) meeting where they put down our hands, we have (written) letters, we have tweeted at them. We have done everything we can."
Video: Post-secondary schools discuss negotiation differences as U of L strike continues
According to students, they were approached by security on Monday for being too loud after they had been playing music and chanting.
Mendenhall said they then "toned it down".
"If they feel disrupted, well, welcome to the club."
The U of L issued a statement saying students have a legitimate right to protest, asking staff not to interrupt their demonstrations.
"As these activities unfold our community has a shared responsibility to respect these rights of students, in an atmosphere of mutual respect," the statement read.
On Tuesday, a resolution was no closer at hand. Both the administration and the ULFA engaged in finger-pointing, with administration saying the biggest contention is around money, while the faculty association claims the most contentious issues that remain are equity, transparency, and shared decision-making.
Read more:
Expert warns CUEFA strike could lead to more job action by faculty associations in Alberta
Both sides are accusing the other of refusing to return to the negotiating table.
The stalemate lead the ULFA to file an unfair labor practice complaint against the board of governors on Monday.
“It may be that this is the only way we’ll be able to reach agreement,” ULFA bargaining team member Joy Morris said. “It’s worked everywhere else. After two years of spinning our wheels, it’s time we get this settled and start catching up on the semester.”
Video: University of Lethbridge student solidarity groups show support for faculty association amid job action
"It proposes solutions to how we think we can get out of this impasse," ULFA president Dan O'Donnell added. "These are solutions that we know work because they've worked at every other university in the country. That's why we are the only university that has still got its students not in class."
However, the University of Lethbridge telling Global News the "recent complaint before the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) is without merit and is unlikely to facilitate a productive return to bargaining.
"We continue to seek a negotiated settlement at the collective bargaining table."
The U of L added it has been impacted by provincial funding cuts and looks forward to productive discussions with the union that reflect the impacts of the fundamental need for financial stability.
‘We demand you get back to the table’: Students call for action to end U of L faculty strike
Jayden Wasney
CTV News Lethbridge Video Journalist
Updated March 1, 2022
Jayden Wasney
CTV News Lethbridge Video Journalist
Updated March 1, 2022
Students at the University of Lethbridge held a sit-in protest outside the school’s administrative offices on Monday, Feb. 28, 2022.
Dozens of students held a sit-in protest outside the University of Lethbridge's administrative offices on Monday in an attempt to get the school and faculty members back to the bargaining table amid an ongoing labour disruption.
The strike has been going on for 17 days, and on Monday, the University of Lethbridge Faculty Association (ULFA) filed an unfair labour practice complaint against the Board of Governors, alleging that the board has refused to bargain seriously during their current round of negotiations.
The complaint alleges that university administration “has engaged in a concerted and ongoing effort to avoid genuine and productive bargaining with the association," and has "continuously engaged in surface bargaining tactics throughout this round of negotiations."
Members of the U of L's Student Solidarity and Action Council say they're tired of waiting for answers.
Approximately 30 students took part in the Monday afternoon sit-in.
“We’re not even asking, we demand you get back to the table and settle this now,” said Karina Almeida from the Student Solidarity Action Council.
“We are tired, we are over it, and this is not what any of us agreed to, and not what any of us paid for. The professors are what makes our school great, we need them back.”
“We’re going to be here until they get back to the table," said Amy Mendenhell from the Student Solidarity Action Council.
"They haven't listened to us. They've ignored us. They are now putting all of us at risk, so I need them – the Board of Governors – to start acting like adults and do the job they get paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to do, or step down and let somebody else do it."
Student Morgan Bowie says she worries about how the strike impact students who aren't from Lethbridge, who are paying for housing.
“I currently live on campus in one of the residence buildings, but my housing contract, I’m cancelling it after this week, because if classes are staying online there’s no point in me staying down here," said Bowie.
“It was really heartbreaking because I made some friends down here, and I’ve made a whole life down here, only to find out I have to move home.”
Third-year student Meghan Rennie joined Monday’s student sit-in because she feels the strike is taking a toll on the mental health of students, hers included.
"I’d compare it to the same amount of uncertainty we felt at the beginning of the pandemic," Rennie said. "Having to contend with that global pandemic, I’ve been actively thinking about how that has occurred, and been using that to try to support my mental health."
The University of Lethbridge says students have every right to express their views about the ongoing strike, and that they are doing everything they can to engage in serious negotiations with the ULFA.
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