Colleagues,
It is my pleasure to announce the results of the ratification vote on the tentative agreement to amend the Collective Agreement for 2009 – 2012. The vote took place from Monday August 17 to Wednesday August 19 and a total of 168 ballots were counted. This represents a member turnout of approximately 65% which given the time of year is quite a strong representation.
The vote was 155 in favour and 13 against. This represents a 92% vote in favour of the proposed changes to the Collective Agreement.
While this is indeed a strong vote of confidence for the new package, it should be noted that several members were opposed to the settlement which is an indication that while we have continued to make significant progress on most issues that are important to our members there is still a need to continue working diligently to improve the rights and benefits of all faculty and librarians at Saint Mary’s. A full report on the election results prepared by our elections returning officer, Douglas Vaisey, is available in the union office.
I would like to thank our collective bargaining team of Vic Catano, Sally Wood, Renee Hulan, and Larry Haiven for their tremendous effort over the last several months to prepare for and take part in the negotiation process. Their hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated.
I would also like to thank all those who voted whether it was for or against ratification, and to express my own sincere vote of optimism for continued excellence in our collective efforts in teaching, scholarship and service over the coming years.
All the best,
Jeff
Dr. Jeffrey W. Power, FCMA
President, Saint Mary's University Faculty Union
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
Voice: 902-420-5621
Fax: 902-420-5011