By CKPG Today

UNBC applies for mediator as talks with faculty association fail

Oct 10, 2019 | 2:20 PM

PRINCE GEORGE —Update: UNBC’s Faculty Association says a mediator has been appointed in this case though a date for mediated talks has not yet been set.

President Stephen Rader says the main sticking points revolve around wages and contract language. Their last agreement expired back on June 30.

UNBC posted the following statement to its website this afternoon:

The Employer has applied to the Labour Relations Board under Section 74 (1) of the Labour Relations Code. A mediator has been appointed and will contact both parties shortly to arrange meeting dates.

The Employer feels that the introduction of a mediator will help the parties engage in productive conversations. The Employer has tabled a substantive proposal for the FA to consider and looks forward to continuing those conversations with the help of a mediator.

Downtown Fires

PGCC welcomes improved overnight patrols for downtown

A few minutes ago

Crime

Fraud alert: "Grandparent Scam" returns

21m ago

Crime

Prince George RCMP arrest repeat and violent offender on Nicholson Street

2h ago

The bargaining table provides the best environment to reach a collective agreement, which would avoid disruption to our students and the broader University community in the case of a prolonged strike.

The Employer remains committed to reaching an agreement that begins to address the fundamental concerns of the Faculty Association.

Earlier: UNBC has applied to the Labour Relations Board to appoint a mediator who will be tasked with attempting to help reach an agreement between the university and its faculty association.

Both sides have been negotiating since March to no avail. The Faculty Association says this action delays the date upon which it will be in a legal strike position.

The mediator is expected to be appointed by next week at the latest from which time 20 days must pass during which both sides will work to attempt to reach an agreement.

This isn’t the first time there’s been labour pain atop University Way.

Back in 2015 faculty went on strike for two weeks.