University of Western Ontario Staff Association

There are a couple of issues I'd like to bring to your attention in this bulletin. I invite comments, suggestions, or concerns about these (or any) issues. Feel free to contact me by email or phone (519.661.2111 x85041).

CAW 555 (McMaster University) Final Offer

Staff at McMaster University, represented by CAW 555, will vote on the University's final offer on September 1 & 2. The Union is not recommending member's accept the final offer. If the offer is rejected, CAW 555 will be in a position to strike on September 4. Pensions and the job evaluation plan are the key issues remaining between the parties. I have expressed UWOSA's support to CAW 555's leadership, and we are watching events unfold. For more information about the issues, please see the CAW 555 website.

Dependent Tuition Scholarship

This part of the bulletin is primarily directed to members who have a dependent in receipt of the Dependent Tuition Scholarship. These Scholarships are a negotiated benefit under the UWOSA Collective Agreement (described in Article 50), and provide a scholarship to the dependents of UWOSA members who attend the UWO or an affiliated college, and who meet certain grade and other criteria.

Several years ago the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) deemed these scholarships to be taxable in the hands of the employee (rather than the dependent actually receiving the scholarship). Since that decision, these scholarship amounts have appeared on the UWOSA member’s T4 as a taxable benefit. However, the CRA’s decision was appealed and won. The UWO, for the 2008 tax year, issued T4As to the students rather than included the value of the scholarship on employees T4s.

The CRA has now determined that the scholarship should also have been taxable in student's hands in 2007. The UWO is sending notices to all affected UWOSA members asking whether or not you would like amended tax documents issued. this will reduce your taxable income for 2007, but will result in its inclusion in your dependent's income for that year).

If you have any questions or concerns about this issue, please contact me.

Displacement Update

The displacement process, which began with the position eliminations in May, is proceeding. Of the original 28 members laid off, 11 remain in displacement (though the number is larger as a result of displaced members joining the list. The process, although slow, is proceeding with fewer problems than we anticipated. This activity will continue for some time - likely well into the fall or longer. I will report about this again when there is a change or it has been completed, but will not continue to report in every bulletin.

Reminders & Quick Notes

• UWOSA's usual fall series of Collective Agreement Information Sessions is now open for registration. We are offering the most popular from previous years' sessions as well as some new ones. In addition, watch for Steward Training (which will be mainly an online course) to be announced soon.
• The deadline for submissions for the 9th Annual Photo Contest is Friday, September 4. If you haven't yet entered, there is still time!