Message from the President

By Kristine Hansen, UWFA President

The end of term is now here, and we’re all busy marking, invigilating exams, dealing with anxiety-stricken students, doing a multitude of administrative tasks, and trying to squeeze in enough time for some progress on scholarly endeavours.  I wish everyone well in concluding the tasks of the fall term, and I wish you some well-deserved peace following that. The pace of UWFA’s work will continue unabated, at least until late December, and I am deeply appreciative of those UWFA members who carry out the Association’s work on top of their day jobs. Main Unit negotiations have required a very substantial time commitment from the negotiating team, and the Job Action Committee has been busy preparing for the possibility that we need to take action to back up our negotiators. Meanwhile, all of the regular UWFA work continues: grievance handling, dealing with various workplace issues that arise almost daily, and meeting with the Employer on Collective Agreement and other issues.  I’m grateful to our Executive Council members and to the considerable number of UWFA members who contribute their time to our work, and to our two staff members, both of whom go beyond what’s expected in keeping our Association running. I’d also like to acknowledge the work of the Membership Committee (sort of chaired by Pauline Pearson, who insists that she is not its chair) in organizing the recent bowling night (well attended, and well enjoyed). As well, I’m thankful that our new Vice-President, Allen Mills, has stepped in to fill a void and undertaken a variety of tasks.  Finally, thanks to all the UWFA members who serve on our committees and represent us on university bodies.  If you’re a Main Unit member, please be on standby in case we need you to attend further meetings and/or to assist the Association as our negotiators begin dealing with the most contentious bargaining items. UWFA can only be as strong as its membership support.