We appreciate the excellent coverage provided by The Athabasca Advocate regarding recent developments at Athabasca University. However, we would like to correct some of the details reported in the Advocateís April 12 coverage of AU. The Advocate incorrectly reported that contract negotiations between the University and AUPE and CUPE locals are in progress. This is not correct: negotiations between the University and AUPE have recently concluded and negotiations have not yet begun with CUPE. Secondly, the editorial reported details on AUFAís offer at the bargaining table. Those details were part of AUFAís opening offer, which is no longer relevant now that the parties are at the stage of arbitration.
Your editorial suggested that the unions prepare a shadow budget for AU. This is an interesting idea that is only feasible under certain conditions: the university would need to provide us with full access to the universityís books. Otherwise, we would not have the information needed to produce a budget. Given the current state of relations between the unions and the current senior administration, it is unlikely that the administration would ever grant that sort of access. You should also be aware that, contrary to past practice, the three bargaining units have been excluded from the current budget process at AU.
We believe that AU has a bright future. As stakeholders, we are looking forward to working with the Ministerís ìindependent third partyî, new Board Chair, and new president to help shape AUís future. From our conversations with Minister Schmidt, we expect to be included in the planning process.
Wendy Jewell, Chair, AUPE Local 69
Ronnie Joy Leah, Co-Chair, CUPE Local 3911
Glynnis Lieb, Co-Chair, CUPE Local 3911
Dougal MacDonald, Co-Chair, CUPE Local 3911
Lawton Shaw, President, AUFA
