Cape Breton University faculty could strike Jan. 23

The faculty association at Cape Breton University says it will call for a strike to begin Jan. 23 if a deal with the schoolisn't reached by Jan. 21.

The associationhas been in alegal strike or lockout position since Dec. 26. It represents a variety of staff including librarians, research chairs and professors, among others.

Andrew Reynolds, who speaks for the association, said 48 hours' notice would give students and people involved with the school time to prepare forjob action.

"The setting of a strike date is also a referendum on the current management of the university," Reynolds said Thursday in a press release.

"The university continues to be steered toward the rocks and they will soon run us aground."

Layoff clause remains contentious

In November, the faculty association accepted a proposed three-year agreement, but the university's board of governors voted in December against ratification.

Last month, the board alsovoted to release university president David Wheeler. Both sides had been working the first week of January to avoid a potential work stoppage, but talks broke down.

The sticking point in the contract dispute has been a layoff clause.It would allow the university to lay off faculty members in a financial emergency or for academic reasons, including if the university needs or wants to shut down a program.

Concerns about layoffs

Thefaculty association said the employer made a proposal onJan. 5 thata seven per cent deficit resulting from tuition or provincial-operating grantswould promptlayoffs.

"Seven per cent is arbitrary and low threshold, raising concerns that layoffs will be a response of first resortrather than an extraordinary measure used only when truly necessary to address serious, objective financial difficulties," said Reynolds.

He added that layoffs would be determined by a dean and a university's vice-president, which he feared"could be subject to abuse, with individuals being targeted for arbitrary and personal reasons."

• Layoff clause main sticking point as CBU contract talks falter