Arbitrator shares decision with UM and UMFA
President Benarroch committed to stability for students and rebuilding relationships
The binding interest arbitration process between the University of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) that began on March 11, 2022 has concluded with arbitrator William Kaplan providing his decision. The 22-page award document, which addressed several outstanding issues from the last round of collective bargaining, was shared with both parties on March 28, 2022.
President and Vice-Chancellor, Michael Benarroch shared the following response:
“The university fully respects and supports Mr. Kaplan’s decisions and thanks him for his ruling.
I agree with recent comments from UMFA president Orvie Dingwall that we need to provide stability for students and rebuild the relationship between the union and administration.
We have an opportunity now to reflect on our negotiation process. As we move forward, we must commit to communicate openly, listen to one other, and engage in respectful dialogue.
I am deeply committed to this and will work with UMFA and university leadership to provide the outstanding work and learning environment that our faculty, staff and students deserve.
UM is Manitoba’s research-intensive university, and I am pleased to see that this ruling brings UM more in line with the 25th percentile of the U15. This will make us more competitive as we support the economic, cultural and social success of our province and its people.”