March 24, 2006

The University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association (USFA) today announced that it has filed an unfair labour practice charges against the University administration as a result of the University’s actions in proposing to close down the Extension Division. Vice-President Academic Michael Atkinson, in documents sent to University Council, has proposed that the Division, which provides outreach and continuing education programming to the Saskatchewan public, should be split into two new centres that would operate on a cost recovery basis. Instead of having faculty from the present Division perform the work of the new centres, Atkinson has proposed that the work be performed by non-faculty personnel.

Tracy Marchant, Chair of the USFA, said, “That is the problem. The University Council has the authority only to decide whether academic programs should be changed or curtailed but the University has to negotiate the terms and conditions of employment of faculty with us. We are the sole legal bargaining agent for faculty. What the University is doing is illegal because it contravenes The Trade Union Act.”

Marchant added, “We are taking this action to protect the legal rights of the union and of faculty members. In the meantime, we are also doing our utmost to see that the faculty members in the Extension Division who will be affected by any changes will have their rights and options protected. The faculty in the Division are under incredible stress from the way in which the University has handled this situation.”

The Labour Relations Board will set a date for a hearing of the charge in the near future.

The Faculty Association also expressed its concern about the decision to close the Extension Division. As Marchant pointed out, “The experts in the Extension Division have provided important services to the citizens of Saskatchewan ever since the establishment of the University. The scrapping of the Extension Division and the move to making its programs cost-recovery worry us. Will Saskatchewan citizens find that they no longer have the opportunity to benefit from the expertise at the University on such important matters as agriculture, women’s issues, Aboriginal issues, and so on? We think the public should know about this and register their views before University Council decides to close the Division.”

For more information, contact:

Professor Tracy Marchant

Chair, USFA

966-5609

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