Winnipeg, MB – The University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) is pleased to see the University of Manitoba Administration and the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) have reached a tentative four-year labour relations agreement on Aug. 31, 2017, following pressure placed upon them to begin the bargaining process from the UMSU Executive Team
On July 4, UMSU penned letters to both parties, urging them to protect students and students’ rights to academic stability by negotiating a deal before the class withdrawal and fee refund deadline in September. On July 5, the University Administration requested a meeting schedule and expedited bargaining process with UMFA. On July 21, both parties officially entered an expedited bargaining period, meeting regularly since.
“We are extremely optimistic going into the fall term with this news,” says Tanjit Nagra, UMSU President. “This goes to show how powerful the student body is, and we are very appreciative of our professors and university for expediting this process and for taking student concerns seriously. Through the remaining stages of the process UMSU will continue advocating for an accessible and quality education for all students, which includes predictability and stability.”
The new tentative agreement, which—when finalized—will eliminate the chance of another strike and corresponding negative impacts on students, is pending a vote by UMFA’s membership with a recommendation to pass by UMFA leadership. If passed, the agreement will become an official mandate to be signed by UMFA and the University Administration. UMSU is cautiously optimistic to see the agreement reach its final stage, and extends a thank you to both parties for keeping student concerns at the forefront of the bargaining process.
UMSU is gratified to see the University Administration and UMFA respect students’ right to predictability, with most students committing thousands of dollars to the University each term in exchange for quality post-secondary education. Last November’s 21-day strike left over 80% of students at the University of Manitoba facing uncertainty about finishing their fall semester classes, resulting in substandard quality of education.
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The University of Manitoba Students’ Union is the official representative of the over 25,000 undergraduate students at the University of Manitoba.
For media information, please contact:
Tanjit Nagra President
University of Manitoba Students’ Union
Phone: 204-474-6519
Email: pres@umsu.ca
