President's Message
Dear colleagues: The beginning of the 2020-21 academic year has been marked by exceptional challenges. Indeed, these difficulties have been escalating since last March, affecting our economic, professional and personal well-being.
Nevertheless, addressing the workplace concerns affecting our members as a group, as well as concerns experienced by individual faculty members, before, during and after the pandemic, has been and will continue to be the main motivation for FAUST.
The work we do on your behalf in advancing collective and individual well-being in our workplace requires us to foster engagement with you. And we, in turn, promise to continue to be your advocate during this difficult coming year, and beyond.
Currently, we are negotiating a Letter of Understanding addressing workplace issues during the pandemic, preparing for our next round of bargaining, and working on a review of our Constitution. We will continue to reach out to each of you in different forms: including surveys, town halls, and newsletters. Your involvement, as much or as little as you are able to give, is vital in these challenging times.
Each and every voice counts – from attending our meetings, to participating in our surveys, to being involved in the various committees. This is how we can be there for each other – we are stronger together.
In solidarity,
Gül Çalışkan, President, FAUST
STU Cleaning Staff Laid Off
FAUST is currently crafting a message to the Employer, expressing our displeasure that STU, a university with a “social conscience,” has hired a company that does not work with unionized employees. We have also been informed that many workers have been laid off at UNB as well. We recognize the importance of frugality at a time like this, but not on the backs of long-serving workers.
Update from Part-Time Faculty Liaisons
As reported in our last issue, the FAUST Executive has created a new position entitled Part-Time Faculty Liaison, in recognition of the special challenges facing Part-Time faculty in the transition to remote teaching in the current COVID-19 environment.
Since their appointment, our liaisons - Janice Harvey (Environment & Society) and Mike Fleming (Sociology & Criminology/Criminal Justice) – report having received many emails from Part-Time faculty in July and August, but that it has been quieter since the beginning of the semester. They wish to remind Part-Timers that their door is always open. In Mike Fleming ‘s words, if you encounter any challenges or difficulties, "please continue to keep us in the loop."
Janice Harvey & Mike Flemming
Update from Coalition for Post-Secondary Education in NB
You might be interested to know that the coalition has made enough noise to have received a reply from Premier Higgs. You can read the Premier's response here.
— Adrienne's Corner
You’re never too old to take classes! I’m currently in the middle of taking a CAUT Organizing Course called Engaging & Mobilizing Members. It’s been very interesting to hear from members across the country, especially to hear how everyone is keeping members engaged under pandemic protocols.
Since we were unable to host our annual Welcome back BBQ, FAUST is using those funds to supply members with some comfortable reusable masks. Keep on the lookout for more on that soon!
We’re also drafting a follow-up survey to see how things are going now that the Fall semester is off and running. That will be published and distributed in the coming week.
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Adrienne Wilson
— Bonnie's Corner
I include this photo as a tribute to the spirit and energy of Joe Blades, who died a few months ago. Labour activists everywhere miss him!
It has been very strange trying to be a Professional Officer from home. Lots of Teams meetings! Including this past Wednesday, when I chaired the United Campus Labour Council for the first time in months. I am delighted that Sharon Smith from PSAC 60550 Members Services will be helping with the minutes and other admin duties, freeing me up to be a better chair. We chatted primarily about the impact of COVID-19 on union members. Speaking of various locals, FAUST has need of a new rep for the Fredericton & District Labour Council. Interested?
I will be working on various initiatives this year, including a revival of Know Your Collective Agreement, a layperson’s explanation of the significance of various articles. I am also going to share, beginning with the next issue, short excerpts from a history of FAUST that I have been working on for many years. Stay tuned!
Bonnie Huskins
Upcoming Events
• OCTOBER 19-23 : FAIR EMPLOYMENT WEEK
• WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 28TH, 2PM : COVID-19 FACULTY TASKFORCE MEETING
Faculty Association of the University of St. Thomas (FAUST) promotes the welfare and professional interests of the association and its members. It negotiates, obtains, and preserves employment conditions such as salary, financial security, working conditions, and all matters of employer-employee relations for members of the bargaining units. FAUST actively supports its members in attaining fair working conditions and benefits that foster quality teaching and research. FAUST also protects academic freedom, seniority, and tenure.
FAUST is a certified trade union under the Industrial Relations Act of New Brunswick. FAUST has two bargaining units: Full-time (certified in 1976) and part-time (certified in 1985).
Questions?
Our Professional Officer, Bonnie Huskins, and our Office Assistant, (TBD) preside over the FAUST office in Edmund Casey (51 Dineen Drive) , Room 211. They can help you with your questions about FAUST and your rights as a member of the bargaining unit. You are also welcome to direct questions to the FAUST President. Please contact Bonnie for further info.
