On Feb. 2-3, members of the Acadia University Faculty Association voted 91.3 per cent in favour of strike action. This vote likely gives Acadia faculty the strongest strike mandate in Canadian academic history. "The overwhelming strength of the vote is a clear sign of faculty solidarity with its negotiating team. There is no question about the seriousness of this situation. There is no question of our determination to achieve a fair and decent contract," said AUFA President Jim Sacouman.

In a last minute attempt to achieve a settlement, both negotiating teams met with the conciliator on Feb. 5. The collective agreement ended at midnight Feb. 6, 1998.

The major issues that remain in contention include teaching technology and academic freedom, working conditions, self-governance, early retirement plan, salaries, pension and benefit plans.

"We have presented the board of governors' team with a full framework for an immediate settlement. They now have a few days to reconsider their extreme and imprudent negotiating positions," said Professor Sacouman. "It seems that the board, its president and its team want to break with Acadia's traditions of sensitive good governance, collegiality, community, and academic freedom. For the faculty, Acadia is our life's work and we will not let this happen."

For further information consult the AUFA web site at http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/aufa/home.htm.