University of Western Ontario Staff Association

This Bulletin is mainly about four important current issues: the United Way campaign, the H1N1 pandemic, the Librarian & Archivists Negotiations, and the OCUFA Quality Matters campaign. I invite comments, suggestions, or concerns about these (or any) issues. Feel free to contact me by email or phone (519.661.2111 x85041).

United Way Campaign: More Than Ever

The annual United Way campaign is underway, and Western's campaign kicked off last Friday with the announcement that this year's goal is $550,000. There are very strong connections between the United Way and Unions, and part of the reason for that is a shared vision about the importance of community. The United Way strengthens our community by mobilizing its resources to achieve positive and lasting change. When you contribute to the United Way, you help to support those in need in our community through agencies in our community.

As many of you know, this is a particularly difficult time for many (including UWOSA members) who have been affected by the economic downturn. Our contributions are needed more than ever. I encourage you to give during the campaign by returning your pledge form and by participating in some of the events which will be held on campus to raise funds. The contribution made by Western employees is an important part of the larger United Way goal. Remember, this isn't just a goal of the Administration - it is the entire Western community's goal.

See the United Way website for more information about its work. For more information about Western's campaign, see the campaign site.

H1N1 Update

The UWO, as most of you will know, has implemented an "absence tracking tool" to track the incidence of H1N1 on campus. We have created a webpage with questions and answers about H1N1 and this tool, and we hope it answers most of your questions. However, please contact your Steward or the office if you have other questions or concerns about H1N1 or the absence tracking tool.

Librarians and Archivists

As many of you know, the UWO Librarians and Archivists (who are represented by the Faculty Association) have been in collective bargaining for some time. A strike vote held in late September received strong support, and is is very possible that there will be a strike by the beginning of November. As I understand it, there are three key issues for the Librarians and Archivists.

1. Job security - arbitrary reassignment in particular.
2. Annual evaluations - the use of clear and consistent criteria.
3. Salaries and benefits - Librarians and Archivists at Western are the lowest paid of any research library in Canada.

These are important issues to any union, UWOSA included. I have expressed our support to UWOFA, and I encourage you to let these individuals, and the Administration, know that you support them.

If there is a strike, UWOSA will provide detailed advice to members. If you have particular concerns, please let me know.

Quality Matters Campaign

Many UWOSA members participated in the Quality Matters campaign initiated by the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations. This goal of this campaign is to pressure the Ontario Government to raise its funding of universities by $1 billion a year. The lack of sufficient government funding is one of the most significant problems we face, and I encourage you to participate in this campaign. For more information, see the Quality Matters website. I encourage all members to send a message to your MPP by clicking the "Take Action" link on that site.

Reminders & Notices

• The United Way Stairclimb is November 5, and UWOSA will (as usual) enter a team. Watch your email for an invitation to join us!
• We are planning a UWOSA General Meeting later in the fall academic term - watch for details soon.
• The annual UWOSA Retreat will be held Saturday, January 30 - please mark your calendars! Details will be available by mid-November.