Oct 27 Letter of Support for Nipissing University Full-time Academic Staff

October 27, 2015

Marianne Berube, Chair, Board of Governors
Mike DeGagné, President
Harley d’Entremont, VPAR and Provost Nipissing University
100 College Drive, Box 5002 North Bay, ON P1B 8L7

Dear Ms. Berube, Dr. DeGagné and Dr. d’Entremont,

In just a few short days, Nipissing University could be facing its first ever faculty strike. There is not much time to avoid this outcome; it is essential that the Nipissing University administration take steps immediately to reach a fair and just settlement with the Nipissing University Faculty Association.

NUFA’s proposals represent a prudent, responsible compromise in a time of difficulty. If accepted, this package will help Nipissing save money through retirement incentives, rebuild the faculty complement, and take small steps to close the salary gap with other comparable universities. It will revitalize the collegial governance structures so integral to the university’s mission, and this community’s expectations. It will eliminate gender inequities in parental leave, which is surely a goal we can all get behind.

The North Bay community can little afford to lose more good jobs. You must commit to protect tenured positions. Without them, we cannot sustain delivery of the quality of education that Nipissing University is known for, and that the North Bay community expects from this institution. Please return to the bargaining table this weekend and agree to a fair and reasonable settlement with NUFA. The community is watching, and we expect no less from you.

Sincerely,
Friskjen van Veldhoven
President