PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Friday, March 18, 2011

STRIKE IMMINENT: ATLANTIC SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY FACULTY AND LIBRARIANS GIVE NOTICE OF INTENT TO STRIKE

HALIFAX – On March 16, 2011 Atlantic School of Theology Faculty Association (ASTFA) gave notice to the Minister of Labour and Workforce Development that the union will exercise its right to strike if the parties do not reach an agreement. An eleventh-hour bargaining session is scheduled for March 21, 2011.
All ASTFA members unanimously approved a vote on February 1, 2011 authorizing the union executive to hold a strike if necessary.

ASTFA was formed in 1998 to represent the faculty and professional librarians at AST. It was certified as a union in 2010, and has been in negotiations with the AST Board of Governors for a first Collective Agreement since April, 2010. In December, 2010, after 8 months of very slow progress in negotiations and with progress stalled in key areas, the union filed for conciliation. While progress has been made, conciliation reached an impasse on the afternoon of March 3, 2011. A further full day of bargaining on March 14th was not successful in clearing up major outstanding issues, including freedom from surveillance of office spaces and classrooms, the status of professional librarians and associated issues, and salary.

ASTFA bargaining positions, strongly re-affirmed by the membership, reflect the Association’s commitment to achieving a fair collective agreement which protects member rights, is aligned with Nova Scotia university sector norms, and ensures the future of AST.

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Contact:

Dr. Rob Fennell, Chief Negotiator
Atlantic School of Theology Faculty Association
902-425-3298
[email protected]

Dr. Alyda Faber, ASTFA President
Atlantic School of Theology Faculty Association
902-423-3504
[email protected]