Security Update #2

To: UWFA Membership

The UWFA has been in contact with both CAUT and Workplace Safety and Health regarding the current security situation at UW. Both groups have provided us with information respecting our obligations to our members and how best to ensure that the Administration is meeting its responsibilities to our members. Our conversations with CAUT have been helpful not only in terms of the situation at hand but also with regard to what we must undertake for the future. We also have been advised by the Administration that they have been in contact with the Assistant Deputy Minister of Labour, who is satisfied that they are taking appropriate measures for the safety of employees. By now you will have received notice of three “emergency preparedness meetings,” to be held tomorrow (Tuesday, September 25) in Convocation Hall from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. We appreciate this response by the Administration to UWFA’s request for safety training, and we encourage you to attend one of these sessions. Security measures notwithstanding, some of our members may feel uncomfortable being here on Wednesday. Although it is useful to make your intentions known sooner rather than later, the Administration has informed us that you still will be able to make a decision to remain off-campus that day even if you have not previously declared your intentions. If you decide not to come to the University, it would be useful to notify your Chair as soon as possible. The Administration has advised us that the rationale for asking everyone to advise their Chairs of their plans is so that the Administration can know who is here in the event that violence does occur. They regard notice to the Chair as a safety measure.

This situation has been trying and complex for everyone. At this point, UWFA is satisfied that the Administration has undertaken all the steps that it can to respond to the threat and to endeavor to preserve your safety. Please call or contact me with any questions or concerns.

Regards,

Lisa McGifford, Staff Officer
University of Winnipeg Faculty Association

Security Update

To: UWFA Membership

I am writing to inform you about the UWFA’s activities in response to the recent threat to faculty, staff, and students at the University of Winnipeg. Most of you have seen the security updates provided by the university administration that describe the measures being undertaken. In any workplace, it is an employer’s responsibility to ensure safe working conditions. In a unionized workplace, the role of a union to make sure that an employer lives up to that obligation. The UWFA, AESES, and IOUE, have participated in meetings with the Administration, organized to provide information regarding the Administration’s response to the threat discovered in the washroom. We have spoken with the other unions on campus to discuss how best to advocate for our respective memberships as plans are being made for our safety. We have also been in contact with CAUT about the situation. We will let you know when we have anything to report. Do not hesitate to contact UWFA with any questions you may have.

Regards,

Lisa McGifford, Staff Officer
University of Winnipeg Faculty Association