UPDATED 12:12 p.m.:
ANTIGONISH- St. Francis Xavier University will present a revised offer to the St. FX Association of University Teachers negotiating team at 3 p.m. today, a statement from the university said.
"The University and the Union agree that this improved offer is occurring within the context of severe financial constraints faced by the University," the statement said. "Over the weekend, the Union reviewed and acknowledged the latest financial forecasts, including the proposed cutbacks to services which will occur post settlement."
The University said the new offer addresses the priorities identified by the Union during discussions this past weekend including:
- Minimum contract length for sessional staff
- Benefits for PT instructors
- Professional development allowance
- Retirement incentive plan
The University also stated that it expects this offer to lead to a tentative agreement followed by a presentation of the offer and ratification vote by the membership.
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ANTIGONISH – After a week of professors holding picket signs rather than chalk, St. Francis Xavier University’s administration is expected to present an offer today to the union that represents the striking faculty and staff.
Sean Riley, president of St. FX, said following a discussion between representatives of the university’s administration and St. Francis Xavier University Association of University Teachers (St. FX AUT) over the weekend, the administration is expected to provide a “full and complete” offer to the union.
“The University notes the AUT Executive’s commitment to reaching a tentative agreement and to taking it to the membership for a ratification vote this week,” Riley stated in the press release.
“The university has provided the union with the latest financial picture for the university, including the current and forecast deficits resulting from reduced government funding.
“Funding the new collective agreement within the financial limitations faced by the university will be difficult. The AUT executive is aware that the financial limitations will result in restructuring and reduced employment.”
The St. FX AUT stated on its website that this would be the first full offer made in eight months of negotiations.
“We’re looking forward to constructive discussions, but a deal isn’t likely unless the administration is prepared to show some movement,”
St. FX AUT president Peter McInnis said in the statement.
“Our members remain committed to sustaining strike action and won’t relent until an equitable settlement is reached. They understand that continued strike action is the key to achieving a fair deal.”
Riley stated that complete offers have been made to the association in the past, including the most recent offer on Jan. 24 during conciliation talks. Summaries of previous offers can be found at stfx.ca/informed.
“We are hopeful that the university and the AUT executive will be able to resolve our current differences and will move on to building the future of St. FX together,” Riley said.
