A Message from Laurie M. Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)
A Message from Laurie M. Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students):
As you will have likely read in President Benarroch’s message, UM is currently in the process of collective bargaining with the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA). This weekend UMFA is putting a vote to its members regarding a potential strike. This does not mean that a strike will in fact occur. Bargaining between the two parties is continuing and we hope to reach a resolution.
Some of you have reached out with questions about what this might mean for you, and expressed concern for your professors.
I want to reiterate the message that President Benarroch conveyed to you – that we are all hopeful that the collective bargaining process will result in a positive outcome for everyone.
Our faculty members and their contributions to the University are deeply valued. They are key to your learning experience and to your success.
To give you some background, collective bargaining is a process of negotiating the terms and conditions of employment that occurs between employers and unions at universities across Canada. This particular set of negotiations is called a “wage re-opener” because only wages are open for discussion. All provisions of the current collective agreement expire on March 31, 2021 and the entire collective agreement will be open for discussion at that time.
UM is committed to avoiding further disruptions during an academic year that has been challenging unlike any other. We know how much you have invested in your post-secondary education and the continuation of your studies remains our priority. We know these are stressful times. Remember that there are many services and supports available to you.
Please carry on as usual – attend your classes, whether virtual or in-person, keep up with your coursework and continue your studies. We are all committed to your success.
As information becomes available we will share it with you by email and on our social media channels.
Keep well.
Laurie
Laurie M. Schnarr, MA (she/her)
Vice-Provost (Students)
Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
University of Manitoba
208 Administration Building
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
Tel: 204.474.6919