SOGS Statement of Support: UWOFA Collective Bargaining
The Society of Graduate Students (SOGS) at Western University stands in support of the University of Western Ontario Faculty Association (UWOFA) as their representatives engage in negotiations for a new faculty Collective Agreement.
With the current UWOFA agreement expiring on June 30th 2022, we are disappointed to learn that the Employer is proposing that bargaining not begin until July 14th 2022 despite having had over two months to get the process started and a range of earlier dates suggested by the UWOFA negotiating team. As the mandated summer break takes place immediately after the half days proposed in mid-July, bargaining will then be delayed again until nearly the end of August.
As members of an organization which values equitable academic labour practices and working conditions, and graduate students who benefit from the research, teaching, and mentorship excellence of UWOFA’s members, we urge the Employer to prioritize these negotiations and work with UWOFA to achieve a fair agreement without delay. The quality of our graduate education rests upon the wellness and support of Western’s faculty, many of whom feel overworked after these last two years of global uncertainty and a fluctuating educational environment.
Prioritizing a timely and fair negotiation for UWOFA not only demonstrates the Employer’s commitment to the wellness of its faculty employees, but the wellness and success of the thousands of graduate students across campus entrusted to their care and guidance.