The Strategy of Strike: How unions use job action to get the deal they deserve
Wednesday, February 14 | Noon - 1 PM
Online on Zoom (registration required)
Recent changes to labour law in Alberta mean the possibility of a union-initiated strike or employer-initiated lockout is part of the new reality for public sector workers, including those at post-secondary institutions.
Strike is exceedingly rare in Alberta, with fewer than 2% of collective bargaining negotiations resulting in a strike or lockout. Still, many members are understandably worried about the possibility of a strike and the disruption that comes with job action. Despite these fears, members being prepared to use their right to strike is an important tool in the toolbox that allows unions to bargain an agreement that members deserve.
Both University of Alberta unions, NASA and AASUA, are entering collective bargaining this year. Join them for an online lunch hour panel to hear from three union activists with firsthand strike experience from the post-secondary sector and beyond. These expert panelists will discuss what it’s like to be on strike, field questions about the reality of taking job action, and talk about how effective strike preparation can make it easier to reach an agreement.
Panelists:
Rick Brick (AASUA Member and CAUT Defence-Fund Trustee)
Christopher Burton (President, University of Lethbridge Faculty Association)
Fathiya Wais (Internal Organizer, NASA)
Registration is required so we can send you the Zoom link.
This panel is co-organized by the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA) and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).