University of Western Ontario Staff Association

In this Bulletin, I'd like to provide some thoughts on the Federal Budget, as well as some other brief updates. As always, I invite comments, suggestions, or concerns about these (or any) issues. Feel free to contact me by email or phone (x85041).

Federal Budget

The Harper Government's budget contains no "hits" to universities, but very little which is positive either. See my commentary on the budget elsewhere on the UWOSA website.

Layoff Update

The layoff process (which began last May) continues to proceed very slowly, and the number of members in the displacement process now stands at 6 (down 1 from my January update). We anticipate the process will continue for most of the rest of the academic year, and into the summer. While this is a problem in some respects, there is a positive aspect to it - the longer the process takes, the more vacancies arise to place members into, and so the fewer people actually involuntarily leaving Western. As of the present time, no one has been terminated through the layoff process (though a few opted to retire or accept severance and leave the UWO).

UWO Budget 2010-11

As many of you know, the budgeting process for the 2010-11 year has begun. The recommendations for faculties have been released, and contain no surprises (but no good news, either). Based on this budget, and considering the rebound in financial markets, UWOSA does not believe there is any justification for further reductions in staffing levels (which is not to suggest we thought those experienced last year were justified). We hope that the UWO Administration will come to the same conclusion.

The Ontario Government's Budget, not yet tabled, could impact Western's budget. We will react to the budget once it is tabled. If you would like to let the Government know what you think the priorities ought to be, you can let them know on the Ministry of Finance website. I encourage you to do so, and to let them know that post-secondary education should be a priority for the so-called "Education Premier".

Seniority List

We expect to publish a new seniority list on the website during April, with data accurate to March 31 of this year. We will send a notice to members as soon as it is published.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, April 15, 2010 at noon. At this meeting, which will be held in MC 110, members will be asked to approve the UWOSA budget for 2010-11. In addition, there will be reports from the President, Treasurer, Chief Steward & Bargaining Committee. All members are entitled to release time to attend this meeting. An agenda will be mailed in early April.