Tentative Agreement Reached In Cape Breton University Strike
SYDNEY – Cape Breton University and the union representing striking faculty members have reached a tentative agreement.
In a brief statement released over the weekend, CBU says the agreement “paves the way for the return to classes for CBU students.”
The tentative agreement comes 10 days after faculty went on strike to demand higher wages and better treatment from university administration.
The striking faculty are represented by the Cape Breton University Faculty Association (CBUFA). The organization initially asked for seven percent raises for its memebrs in each of the next two years to ensure their salaries keep up with inflation.
The university does not appear ready to do that. In an FAQ on its website, CBU says it can only bump salaries up by less than three percent a year over the next three years.
“CBU must be fiscally responsible due to the unique situation in Cape Breton. There are major investments that CBU needs to make in campus infrastructure (new buildings including modern lab and classroom spaces), housing initiatives, strategic health initiatives, and campus planning,” the university says.
CBU does have a surplus but says it intends to invest it “directly in places where students will benefit.”
In a recent update, the CBUFA claimed the difference between its proposal and CBU’s amounts only to “a small percentage” of CBU’s 2022 revenue of more than $99 million.
“CBU’s admin considers this impossible, while generously helping themselves to significant raises,” the union argues.
During conciliation, CBUFA also reduced its salary proposals but says CBU’s counter offer would still leave its members below the increased cost of living.
“But money isn’t the issue. Our administration has disrespected our union at every turn. They’ve stomped on our collective agreement amassing an astonishing 64 labour grievances since the current president took office. By comparison, the University of Saskatchewan—with six times the faculty—posts an average of only seven grievances each year,” the union claims.
The agreement between faculty members and the university administration is still tentative, which means both parties have agreed to the terms but must still officially approve them.
CBU says its board of governors has already approved the deal.
Members of the CBUFA must still give it their approval. The union says it plans to hold a vote on the agreement on February 6.