Unionized librarians and archivists at the University of Western Ontario have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if contract talks do not result in a new collective bargaining agreement.
The University of Western Ontario Faculty Association announced Sept. 28 that 88% of UWOFA-LA members voted to support a strike ballot to back their bargaining goals of fair evaluations, job security and equitable salaries and benefits.
UWOFA-LA members have been without a contract since July 1.
“This vote demonstrates the determination of our members to ensure a fair and equitable settlement,” said faculty association president Regna Darnell. “The work of librarians and archivists is at the heart of university life, and should be recognized as such.”
Union negotiators and university management met with a conciliator last month and further meetings are scheduled in October. UWOFA-LA members will not be in a legal strike position until a no-board report has been requested and 16 days have passed after its receipt by the provincial Minister of Labour.
“Our negotiating team is committed to use the scheduled meetings to achieve a fair deal,” said Darnell.
The 55 librarians and archivists at Western rank 91st out of 113 North American research libraries in salaries and benefits.