Negotiations between the University of Prince Edward Island and its faculty union reached a critical stage this month, with the union deciding to move into strike readiness.

The UPEI Faculty Association, the union representing more than 300 full and part-time faculty, librarians, sessional instructors and clinical nursing instructors, has been negotiating a first contract with the university's board of governors since June 2002.

UPEIFA authorized a strike vote Jan. 6 with 98 per cent of the almost 200 members present voting in favour.

Negotiators are trying to reach agreement on workload, working conditions and intellectual property rights.

Association president Lawrence Hale says "serious gridlock" still exists over salaries and other monetary issues.

"This was not a strike vote, but a show of the members resolve for wanting a settlement of the dispute," Hale said.

"No one wants this to come to a strike and it is regrettable that it has proved necessary to hold a ballot."

Although conciliation failed in December, the university and the association have agreed to resume negotiations.

Hale said he's optimistic that the two sides will settle their differences without job action and arrive at a negotiated settlement in a timely fashion.

"But the members' resolve puts the university on notice that absent a settlement, it should be prepared for possible strike measures," he said.

UPEIFA has secured strike headquarters and the CAUT Defence Fund has approved strike benefits.