UPEI files unfair labour practice complaint

Today, the University of Prince Edward Island submitted an unfair labour practice complaint against the UPEI Faculty Association (FA) to the Labour Relations Board of the PEI Department of Community Services, Seniors, and Labour. It states that the Association is subverting the negotiation process by not bargaining in good faith. The University is concerned that FA negotiators have deliberately taken positions that could lead to a breakdown in negotiations, by creating an artificial impasse, failing to bargain, and failing to bring a mandate to negotiate to the table. The University is also concerned that UPEI's position is being misrepresented by the FA to its membership.

The University has held regular meetings with the FA negotiating committee since initial proposals were exchanged by the parties in early August 2010. The Faculty Association asked for conciliation on January 31.With progress being made on a number of items important to both sides, this action was seen as premature by UPEI.

The University remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement; however it stresses that, in order for this to happen, genuine negotiations must take place.

'Recent actions of the FA have led the University to believe that the Association is breaching its obligation to sincerely attempt to reach a collective agreement,' says VP Finance and Facilities, Gary Bradshaw. 'In order to reach a successful settlement, it is essential that both teams follow accepted process, and willingness to negotiate is part of that responsibility. The filing of an unfair labour practice complaint to the PEI Labour Relations Board is regrettable but necessary.'

UPEI's priority is to protect the interests of the entire University community, including its students. It remains committed to discussions leading to a negotiated agreement with the Faculty Association, as it has done successfully with other bargaining units on campus.