Just learned that colleagues currently on sabbatical or just about to go on sabbatical in January are officially considered by the university to be "combattants" in the labour dispute. In other words, they are considered to be on strike and the university will suspend all pay to them, already reduced because of sabbatical.
Imagine working in the archives in Germany. You have been there since September. You are just finishing up your research and about to come home for Christmas -- only to find that you have no money in your bank account.
Fröhliche Weihnachten to you!
Of course, the rumour that this was the case had been circulating for a while. One colleague about to go on sabbatical in January wrote to the VPA to ask directly about his status. His inquiry was met with silence. Not even his Dean could give him any information because the senior administration had evidently not yet informed the Deans of the policy.
This policy of "Don't Talk/Don't Tell" seems to be the inspired strategy behind which the administration has barricaded itself on the 13th floor.
Several of my students (in German, IASC, and in COMM Studies) have told me that they have written to the President and to the Vice-President, Academic to ask specific questions about their concerns in the event of a strike -- and not one of these students has received a reply.
I want to assure you of our commitment to the academic interests of our students and faculty and their ongoing success.
--Vice-President Academic Terry Boak
The administration refuses to negotiate with BUFA unless in the presence of a mediator and not until 24 hours before a strike.
It is important that we maintain that collegiality as we work as a community in the best interests of the institution and its mission.
I am concerned about, and would like to avoid, both parties being caught in a spiraling dynamic of 'brinksmanship'
--President Jack Lightstone
"Don't Talk/Don't Tell"
I wonder when the administration will declare our colleagues on maternity leave, on sick leave, and on long-term disability also to be "combattants?"
2 comments:
As a Brock graduate in communications studies and a Humber graduate in postgrad public administration, it seems to me that Brock is taking the direction of a corporation that forgets about their most important clients, which are students and faculty in this cse. From an institution so heavily influenced by business, it seems that the Brock administration neglects the most important aspect of business management: service quality!!
In regards to the letter in the Carelton paper, and Brock's low rankings in the maclean's scorecard, it is obvious that Brock's administration lacks a service quality perspective. Pay the teachers less, keep information from major stakeholders, construct unnecessary buildings rather than reinvesting in quality services, etc? Each student at Brock has made a huge investment in their future. Students don't invest the thousands of dollars annually to have to deal with the administration's mismanagement, especially during exam time. They definitely don't appreciate the political strategies used by both parties. It seems that Brock wants to operate without a student body. The administration's moves will deter prospective students from choosing brock. I wouldn't want to enroll there knowing that the faculty is discontent.
From my perspective the university is on a decline, which has negative implications for Niagara. The administration must recognize the various perspectives of the different academic programs available at Brock. Of course, it must operate in the context of competitive capitalism; however, the university serves a greater social and economic purposes, which they neglect. There's a reason why universities are in part publicly funded. They are meant to deliver many services, not just act as a business seeking profit.
I've sent emails to a few people, trying to figure out what's going on, and I get no replies. I get better information from Facebook than I do from the administration.
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