UPEI Labour Relations Update: Mediation ends, UPEI FA in position to hold strike vote in seven days

The following message was distributed by email to faculty and staff on January 31, 2023.

The University of Prince Edward Island and the UPEI Faculty Association (UPEI FA) recently completed mediation with mediator Michelle Flaherty, who was appointed by the Hon. Bloyce Thompson, Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture. We have received notice today from the Minister that the mediator has filed their report, indicating that a collective agreement has not been reached between the two parties.

Now that the mediator’s report has been filed, this means that, according to the PEI Labour Act, the UPEI FA, Bargaining Unit 1 (representing faculty members, librarians, sessional instructors, and clinical nursing instructors) will be in a position to hold a strike vote after seven days have elapsed.

UPEI FA members are vital to the University and its mission. Please be assured that the University remains hopeful and committed to reaching a settlement, with the goal of achieving a mutually beneficial agreement prior to any labour action occurring.

Over the next few days, we will share information with the UPEI community by email about the status of negotiations and the impact of a possible labour disruption on students, staff, and faculty. To see this and previous updates, please visit upei.ca/labour. If anyone has questions, please email labour@upei.ca.