MUNACA/PSAC strike update: Back to the table; injunction extended

A message from Michael Di Grappa, Vice-Principal (Administration and Finance)

This afternoon, the parties are returning to the negotiating table.

Meanwhile, the injunction granted by Quebec Superior Court limiting some picket line activities during the MUNACA/PSAC strike was this morning extended to Jan. 21, 2012. The union objected to the extension as a matter of principle, but it did not present any arguments against the extension. While McGill proposed a process under which the Court could resolve this matter by Nov. 25, 2011, the union proposed a longer timetable, that would see the case heard on January 21.

Let's be very clear: The University is working hard to reach a collective agreement long before either date.

As I pointed out on Monday, the Labour Relations Board has ruled in favour of McGill's position that employees who have been asked to fill in for striking MUNACA workers have done so within the rules laid down by Quebec labour law, that McGill has not, contrary to some assertions, employed ineligible replacement workers. A copy of this decision can be found at https://www.mcgill.ca/hr/sites/mcgill.ca.hr/files/crtdecision.pdf

In conclusion, let me thank those McGill employees who have been called upon to work longer hours or have heavier workloads as a result of the strike. We appreciate your efforts and will find an appropriate way to show our appreciation. We are also aware of the strains that the strike puts on our researchers.  Let me repeat, we want this dispute resolved as soon as possible and we are working diligently towards that goal.

Keeping the University running is a legitimate and important pursuit and all of us who have worked so hard to see this through should know that these efforts are very much appreciated. In the interim let's hope we start making significant progress at the negotiating table.