Prince George, BC – Despite the progress being made at the bargaining table, including signing off on more than 70% of the articles that have been presented as part of negotiations, the Faculty Association at the University of Northern British Columbia has indicated it will erect picket lines beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday March 5.

The action comes while talks are underway. Both sides met into the evening tonight and are planning to meet again tomorrow.
Nevertheless, the Faculty Association has indicated that pickets will be stationed at all campus entrances, including the foot paths off University Way. In addition, UNBC’s downtown facilities, including the Wood Innovation and Design Centre, may be behind picket lines as well.

The Prince George campus will remain open, though no classes will be taught for the duration of a Faculty Association strike:

• The Library, dining hall, and other student service offices will remain open.
• The Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre will remain open for its members.
• Transit buses will not cross picket lines, so buses will stop at temporary stops on University Way.

At regional campuses, faculty will not be teaching classes but it’s expected that support staff will be reporting for work in Quesnel and Fort St. John. The Terrace campus is likely to be behind a picket line.
The University also expects that support staff members of CUPE 3799 will not cross picket lines. For the latest information and updates, visit www.unbc.ca/faculty-relations

The UNBC Faculty Association issued 72-hour strike notice to the University on Monday morning at 8 a.m. Over the past 10 months, the University and FA have agreed on 54 articles, including three compensation-related articles just last week. Of the remaining 13 articles, eight are related to compensation. The University has acknowledged that compensation is a critical issue for FA members, and has sought to address salary compression.

The University has proposed a compensation package which includes a minimum General Wage Increase of 0, 1, 1.5, 1.5, and 1.5% over the five-year agreement, consistent with the provincial government’s Economic Stability Mandate.
The University’s bargaining team remains committed to ongoing negotiations.

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