Solidarity has always been an integral part of the labour movement. It is a recognition by all that we share a common struggle and a common history. But our solidarity often extends far beyond those in unions. The labour movement has a long history of extending solidarity to the broader community where the fight for justice and equality is as critical an outcome as it is for those within our ranks.
BC's Finance Minster Colin Hansen has to be more than a little nervous these days. With his credibility in disarray following a 2009 budget that completely missed the obvious economic implosion that was rolling across North America and a September 2009 "Update" designed to finally concede what he tried to deny seven months earlier, his latest fiscal plan shows little in the way of vision, credibility or fairness.
Two years ago, FPSE made a major commitment to fund, staff and resource a broadly based effort to unionize private post-secondary institutions in our province. The commitment was part of a broader recognition within FPSE that instructors working at private institutions needed our help. Their salary levels were inadequate. There were little if any additional benefits. Decision making within the institutions was top-down, arbitrary and left no room for faculty input.
October 26 marks the beginning of Fair Employment Week when post-secondary educators across Canada and the United States speak out on the problems facing contingent academic staff. The problems are real and continue to grow. About one third of FPSE members are non-regular faculty. Across Canada the number is closer to 40 percent.
Every year Presidents' Council devotes a full day session to meeting with MLAs in Victoria. Our objective is to give both opposition and government MLAs a firsthand report on how our public post-secondary system is doing.
Over the last eight years, it hasn't always been easy meeting with government-side MLAs and Cabinet Ministers. Openness and accessibility have not been hallmarks of their operating style.
March 8, 2010: Solidarity for Women
Solidarity has always been an integral part of the labour movement. It is a recognition by all that we share a common struggle and a common history. But our solidarity often extends far beyond those in unions. The labour movement has a long history of extending solidarity to the broader community where the fight for justice and equality is as critical an outcome as it is for those within our ranks.
BC Budget 2010: Missing in action — vision, credibility and fairness
BC's Finance Minster Colin Hansen has to be more than a little nervous these days. With his credibility in disarray following a 2009 budget that completely missed the obvious economic implosion that was rolling across North America and a September 2009 "Update" designed to finally concede what he tried to deny seven months earlier, his latest fiscal plan shows little in the way of vision, credibility or fairness.
Organizing strategy is working: latest certification confirms strong support for union drive
Fair Employment Week: Standing together and standing strong
Dialogue with government: It’s time they listened more
Over the last eight years, it hasn't always been easy meeting with government-side MLAs and Cabinet Ministers. Openness and accessibility have not been hallmarks of their operating style.