ANTIGONISH – St. Francis Xavier University and the St. FX Association of University Teachers will be back at the table today at 11:00 a.m., though the chances of resolving the strike, now in its eleventh day, look slim.
In a press release from Dr. Sean Riley, President of St. FX, he said today’s meeting will further discuss the implications associated with incremental demands on resources throughout the University.
“The Association of University Teachers Executive’s counter-proposal tabled yesterday remains well beyond the financial capability of the institution, threatening both short and long-term sustainability,” he said.
“The AUT’s demands include increases to economic adjustments, pensions, and other benefits, totaling in excess of $700,000, incremental to the University’s offer tabled on Feb. 5.”
The president said to accept the St.FX AUT’s demands would impose even more hardship on the institution, in addition to the existing planned reduction in services and employment.
“It is an offer that the University cannot responsibly accept.”
A press release from the St. FX AUT is thankful for the support they’ve received during the strike.
“The strong show of support we’ve received locally and across the country from students, alumni, and other faculty associations who face the same culture of entitlement in their universities, is a great help to our negotiating team at the table,” said Peter McInnis, president of the StFXAUT.
“It is because of that pressure that we’ve been able to get the employer back to the table and finally prepared to negotiate.”
The two sides are still discussing the counter proposals presented by the union at yesterday’s meeting.
