The University of Moncton is objecting to certification of its contract academic staff by the union representing teaching faculty at the university.

Following a successful organizing drive last April, the university's faculty association, l'Association des bibliothécaires et des professeurs et professeures de l'Université de Moncton (ABPPUM), filed applications to amend its bargaining unit to include several categories of contract academic staff.

But in an effort to thwart the unionization effort, the university administration has raised objections, resulting in a delay for union recognition with the New Brunswick Labour and Employment Board.

ABPPUM leaders say the situation at Moncton is untenable and accuse the university administration of employing hardline tactics to stall the process.

"Among the objections the university has raised to certifying contract faculty is a claim that they are independent contractors," said Michèle Caron, president of ABPPUM. "They make this absurd argument despite the fact contract faculty are organized in bargaining units across the country."

She said a clear majority of contract academic staff have indicated they wish to be represented by ABPPUM.

Both sides appeared at board hearings in January this year, and further hearings have been scheduled for March.

Caron said she is confident the association will be successful in its bid to represent contract academic staff at the university, but added she is disappointed by the delays and deferrals.

"Other universities have been able to resolve differences regarding definitions of the bargaining unit without the need for hearings," she said. "Yet Moncton is blocking our unionization efforts."

Caron said she sees a disturbing pattern in the administration's approach to the faculty association. "These games at the Labour and Employment Board, combined with our long strike in 2000 and the administration's attempt to legislate us back to work makes me wonder: is this anti-unionism?"

The faculty union and the university are heading into negotiations soon.

"This kind of behaviour does not bode well for labour relations at Moncton," Caron said.