Request for conciliation premature

UPEI was disappointed to learn that the Faculty Association requested the province appoint a conciliation officer yesterday when there has been considerable progress made by both sides at the bargaining table.

Regular meetings with the Association's negotiating committee have occurred since the Fall, as often as two to three times a week, and the University's bargaining team remains committed to, and optimistic about reaching a negotiated settlement.

VP Finance and Facilities, Gary Bradshaw, says, 'While we were disappointed at the premature application for conciliation, we also recognize that it's an approach often used in negotiations. By no means does the University feel that we have reached an impasse. In fact, it is quite the opposite in that we've continued to make good progress on a number of items that are important to both sides.'

The application for conciliation was filed by the Faculty Association to the Minister responsible for the Labour Act on Monday, but it can be applied for anytime during the bargaining process.

Bradshaw added, 'We are committed to, and will continue to work hard on behalf of the UPEI community of students, educators, and staff to reach an agreement with the faculty as we have done with all other bargaining units.'

The University will not make further comment at this time to maintain the integrity of the negotiation process.

The next negotiation meeting is February 7 with further meetings scheduled into mid-March.