Nipissing U strike fund gets $1 million boost

Striking Nipissing University employees will receive a boost to its strike fund.

Faculty from across the country have organized the Canadian Association of University Teachers Defense Fund and decided to donate $1 million to the Nipissing University Faculty Association in support of their stance for fair pay, staffing levels and shared decision-making.

Nipissing faculty pay into the fund via their union dues, however this money will be used to assist those on strike with strike pay, continuation of benefits and access to emergency funds.

The presentation is expected to be made Friday.

Faculty association president Susan Srigley said no new talks between the union and administration are scheduled.

“The president of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations, asked Nipissing president Mike DeGagne if they were ready to return to the table. We're still waiting, there's been no movement,” she said Thursday.

“The university's offer is unacceptable and we feel our labour action is putting pressure on them and their board of governors. We're waiting for them to not stay entrenched in their offer.”

Faculty went on strike Sunday at 12:01 a.m. after negotiations between the union and administration failed.

Talks broke off over the weekend.

Nipissing faculty argue they are the lowest paid in the province.

The average salary for full-time faculty is $107,000 including full professors at $138,000, associates at $113,000 and assistants at $95,972.

Nipissing has 21 full, 70 associate and 64 assistant professors.

Nipissing's latest offer includes a three per cent increase over three years, plus six per cent over three years based on a seniority grid.

According to Nipissing, the union is looking for a 6.1 per cent increase over three years plus the grid hike.