Dear Colleagues,
Last night, The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Academic Staff Association (NASA) voted in favour of a strike mandate.
NASA represents more than 1000 academic staff members at NAIT Polytechnic. Their bargaining is stalled as their Employer has failed to meet demands including maintaining benefit provisions, workload issues, and other key mandates such as continuing support for members on Long Term Disability.
AASUA stands by NASA in solidarity as they push for a fair deal for their members. Prior to their strike vote, I wrote a letter expressing support on behalf of AASUA. The letter pledged that should they go on strike, we will be there to provide financial support and stand on their picket line with them in solidarity. A positive strike vote does not mean a strike is guaranteed, and we hope their Employer will come to the table with a fair deal before job action is required. Regardless of what happens, our union will be there to support them.
Sincerely,
Gordon Swaters
AASUA President