TSSU issues 72-hour strike notice

This message is sent on behalf of Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, vice-president people, equity, inclusion. It has been sent to all students, faculty and staff.

Following continued negotiation efforts and mediated sessions with the BC Labour Relations Board, the Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU) has issued the university 72-hour strike notice on Friday, June 9.

A resulting strike could begin as early as 11:21 AM on Monday, June 12. TSSU indicates that intended job action is a ban on overtime to commence Monday morning, and no picket lines or work disruptions are expected at this time. The university has invoked the Strike Steering Committee and the University Strike Plan in preparation for job action.

TSSU’s communication notes that “91% vote to strike.” SFU’s bargaining team requested the strike vote breakdown, and notes that of the 875 employees eligible to vote, 401 employees were issued ballots, 207 of those ballots were returned, with 188 in favour of a strike, 19 against, and 0 ballots spoiled.

A TSSU strike has the potential to significantly disrupt SFU students’ academic pursuits and adversely impact other members of the community. That is why SFU’s focus is to pursue all avenues that restart productive negotiations.

In our most recent proposal, SFU’s bargaining team tabled the maximum allowable monetary package under the PSEC mandate. Despite this healthy offer, the parties were unable to reach agreement and TSSU has indicated their intent to pursue job action rather than continuing negotiations at the bargaining table.

SFU’s bargaining team continues to look for solutions to present to TSSU that could resolve collective bargaining, avoid job action and reach a fair deal with members when TSSU is prepared to return to the bargaining table and continue negotiations.

We recognize that this is a challenging time and want you to know that supports are available, even during job action.

• Employees who are concerned about job action can connect with their supervisor to learn about business continuity and essential services requirements and connect with their union to learn more about their rights and responsibilities during a strike. The Employee and Family Assistance Program is also available.
• Students who are feel uneasy about the impacts of a TSSU strike can connect with SFU Health and Counselling and MySSP for 24/7 mental health support.

We care about the academic success of our students, supporting our outstanding faculty and staff and nurturing a thriving, world-class research environment. We are focused on resolving this challenging situation as quickly as possible.

Stay informed about Collective Bargaining with TSSU and SFU’s other unions and professional association by visiting the Collective Bargaining central hub.

Sincerely,

Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, PhD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Vice President, People, Equity, Inclusion
Simon Fraser University