UNBC Faculty Association issues 72-hour strike notice

The UNBC Faculty Association (UNBCFA) has given its 72-hour strike notice.

The association represents the teaching staff at the university and serves the interests of almost 500 full- and part-time members at UNBC’s Prince George and regional campuses.

"The two sides have been in bargaining since March 5th in what was expected to be a quick round of negotiations since the parties are in agreement about the key issue: UNBC faculty’s rock-bottom salaries," says UNBCFA in a press release. 

"To deal with this problem, the Faculty Association has proposed a compensation model that falls within PSEC’s (Public Sector Employer's Council)  funding mandate. The Faculty Association remains committed to reaching a fair, negotiated agreement at the bargaining table, and urges the administration of UNBC to bargain intensively and creatively to avert a strike."

All faculty employed by UNBCFA, including tenured and tenure-track faculty members, senior lab instructors, librarians, and contract academic staff in all categories, are automatic members in the association, which acts as the sole bargaining agent for all UNBC-FA members, negotiating the terms and conditions of their employment.

“We remain hopeful for respectful negotiations that will lead to a fair contract for all UNBCFA members and guarantee the future success of UNBC and all its amazing students,” says the association in a social media post.

UNBC has not yet commented on the strike notice. 

PrinceGeorgeMatters will update this story with more information as it becomes available.