Western faculty strike on table after union vote
91 per cent of faculty voted in support of a strike 'if necessary,' union says
The union representing faculty at Western University voted 91 per cent in favour of striking "if necessary," as they continue negotiations with the university, a statement from the union said.
The University of Western Ontario Faculty Association returns to the bargaining table with the university on Tuesday this week.
"This strong show of support will certainly strengthen our negotiating team's ability to bargain better provisions for reward and recognition of faculty effort, equitable workloads, health and wellness, and job security," the union said.
Western turned down 20 of the union's 55 proposals, and 20 more are awaiting a response. Three proposals are constrained by Bill 124, which limits public sector wage increases to 1 per cent annually, the union said.
"If the current rate of inflation holds, faculty could be looking at a 25 per cent pay cut over three years," the union said in a statement.
About 1,500 faculty and 50 librarians and archivists are represented by UWOFA.
In November 2018, a faculty strike was averted after the university and faculty union reached an agreement two hours after the strike deadline.
CBC News reached out to Western University officials for a response.