Weekly Update – January 7, 2022
January 7, 2022
Weekly Update – January 7, 2022
COVID Situation Update
The pandemic situation has changed rapidly in recent weeks with the spread of the omicron variant. As previously announced, the University is holding the first three weeks of courses for the Winter 2022 term fully online.
Further, until January 31, 2022, employees should only come to campus to perform necessary work that cannot be conducted remotely. Research that cannot be performed from home can continue to proceed on campus following public health guidelines for indoor capacity limits.
The stress of returning to an online teaching environment, in addition to children being out of school once again for a few weeks, will understandably lead to difficult times for members and their families.
CUASA wishes to remind its members that there are options available, should you need to seek accommodation. In particular, the Association has an agreement with the University that enshrines a unique application process that recognizes the individualized nuances for members needing to seek an adjustment, reduction, or rescheduling of their workload for these of disruptive situations. Members will require customized advice before making their applications to their Deans, should they believe it necessary.
Any members needing individualized advice on seeking an accommodation are encouraged to contact the following: members with a last name beginning with the letters A-M, please email Hanan Mankal ([email protected]); members with a last name beginning with the letters N-Z, please email Alex Aucoin ([email protected]).
Obviously, a return to online classes and school closures is not what any of us wanted. But we have faced this situation before, and we can do it again. Be mindful about the start of classes next week and let’s all keep our heads above water as we always have.
Rest assured that CUASA is here and ready to work for you, to undertake what is necessary to protect our members and their families to the best of our abilities. As always, you can contact us at [email protected].
CUASA members or their family members may be struggling in light of the current situation. Remember that all CUASA members and their families have access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). You can find details about the EFAP here.
ARWG Drop-In Session
Members from CUASA’s Anti-Racism Working Group (ARWG) will host a drop-in session next Thursday, January 13th, 2022, from 1-4pm (via Zoom) for BIPOC and Jewish-identified members to have an open discussion about the results of the BIPOC Experience Survey that was circulated last year. The last hour of this session will be more informal and we invite members to stay on, with a drink of your choice, so we can get to know each other better. If you are interested in attending, please contact [email protected] to RSVP to receive the Zoom details.
Academic Community Updates
Concordia University of Edmonton faculty on strike, a first in Alberta history
The Concordia University of Edmonton Faculty Association (CUEFA) went on strike this week over pay and working conditions, becoming the first academic staff association to strike in Alberta’s history.
The CUEFA represents 82 full-time professors, librarians, placement coordinators and lab instructors at Concordia, who began picketing on Tuesday morning after the two sides failed to come together on a new collective agreement.
Concordia University of Edmonton academic staff have one of the highest workloads and are among the lowest paid in the country. CUEFA has been trying to address these challenges through bargaining, but the University administration is refusing to move, despite boasting record surpluses the last two years.
With over 95 percent of members casting ballots, 90 percent voted in favour of strike action.
CUASA stands in solidarity with our colleagues at CUEFA. We encourage our members to use this tool to support CUEFA and send a message to the President to meet the demands of academic staff and end the strike.
You can read CAUT’s statement on the CUEFA strike here and read OCUFA’s here.
As Omicron surges, Ontario faculty and academic librarians concerned for their physical and mental health
With COVID-19 cases spiking across Ontario and universities planning to return to in-person learning at the end of January, university faculty, academic librarians, and other academic professionals are concerned for their physical and mental health. Further, they believe the provincial government’s most recent advice to universities is completely inadequate and shows that Premier Ford and Minister Dunlop are not making the health and safety of postsecondary faculty, staff, and students a priority.
To keep reading, click here.
