Collective Bargaining
1. What is a collective agreement?
A collective agreement is a written contract of employment covering a group of employees who are represented by a trade union. This agreement contains provisions governing the terms and conditions of employment.
2. What is collective bargaining?
Collective bargaining is a process in which a trade union and an employer negotiate a first collective agreement or the renewal of a previous collective agreement.
3. Is Brock currently in collective bargaining with any employee groups?
Yes, Brock is currently negotiating a renewal collective agreement with OSSTF (administrative support staff).
In addition, Brock is currently negotiating a first collective agreement with CUPE, Local 4207-3 (ESL Instructors). The Union has announced that ESL Instructors will be on strike effective 7:00am on March 26th, 2012. Information regarding the strike can be found on the University’s collective bargaining website – www.brocku.ca/collectivebargaining
4. What other options for assistance are available to the employer and union?
If the parties have not reached a settlement, the Ministry offers the services of a mediator to confer with the parties and try to reach a collective agreement.
5. What is a strike?
Any cessation of work, including a work slowdown resulting in interruption of the employer’s operations by bargaining unit employees.
6. What is a lockout?
A refusal by the employer to allow members of the bargaining unit on strike to work.
7. Will the University be closed in the event of a strike?
The University remains open and all non-ESL classes and activities are expected to continue as scheduled.
8. Will there be picket lines at the campus?
You should expect picket lines at entry points to campus during a strike. Anticipate some delays while entering or leaving campus, and give yourself extra time when planning your schedule. Please also refer to Picket Line Guidelines.
9. Am I required to report to work if I am not on strike?
Employees not on strike are expected to report for work as scheduled. Please remember to allow time for any delays that you may experience when entering the campus.
10. How should I get to campus in the event of a strike?
Staff, faculty and students should consider making alternative arrangements for travelling to campus in order to minimize delays. Consider carpooling, taking the bus, or getting dropped off near campus to minimize any delay that you might experience crossing a picket line.
11. Will the bus service to the University be affected during a labour disruption?
Bus service to and from the University will continue during a labour disruption; however, alternative drop-off and pick-up areas have been established for the University:
- St. Catharines Transit buses for routes 15, 16 and West Brock Commuter will load and unload Brock University side of Glenridge between Norman Road and St. Davids Road.
- St. Catharines routes 4, 122, 21 and Tupper Extra, Niagara Falls and Welland buses will load and unload Niagara Region side of St. Davids Road between main entrance and Schmon Parkway.
- Coach Canada will drop off along Glenridge Ave. between Norman Rd. and St. Davids Rd. Anyone seeking pick-up should take St. Catharines Transit buses to the downtown main terminal and connect there with Coach Canada.
Persons with disabilities who require assistance can contact Brock Parking Services at parking@brocku.ca or 905-688-5550 x4309. A shuttle will operate from 7 am until picket lines come down and transit buses resume service to the Schmon Tower. Anyone needing this shuttle service should ask their bus driver to be dropped off along Glenridge Avenue by the crosswalk between Academic East and Zone 1 (Parking Lot A).
12. Can we still park on campus during a work stoppage?
Yes. Aside from possible delays coming on to campus, parking on campus will remain unaffected.
13. Will I be able to park at the plaza, the Region of Niagara or the hotel across the road from campus if I can’t get across picket lines?
No. Members of the Brock community may not park at these locations or at any commercial entity in the area. These businesses require the full use of their own parking facilities, and will likely enforce their regulations for the foreseeable future.
Parking on campus will remain available. Also, consider carpooling, taking the bus or getting dropped off near campus to minimize any delay you might experience crossing the picket line.
14. Will public events continue during a strike?
Any planned public events will be reviewed individually and instructions will be given as needed. Please consult the events website at brocku.ca/events for further information or contact the service or space provider hosting the event.
15. Can I still bring my child to daycare?
Yes, but anticipate some delays while entering or leaving campus, and give yourself extra time when planning your schedule.
Students and Parents
16. Will picket lines cause delays at the campus?
Yes. Students should anticipate some delays while entering or leaving campus, and allow for extra time when planning schedules.
17. Are students expected to cross picket lines?
The University remains open and non-ESL classes are expected to continue. The University has a legal right to conduct its operations during a strike and students have a legal right to continue to come to campus, attend classes and use all University services during a strike. Students remain responsible for meeting course requirements and are encouraged to attend class, complete work and hand in material in a timely manner. Please note that the Senate Policy “Policy on Protecting Students as a Result of a Work Stoppage that Disrupts Academic Activities” indicates that students who choose not to cross a legal picket line shall not be penalized; however they are not absolved from completing their academic responsibilities.
18. Will I be able to park at the Shaver Hospital, Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre, the Niagara Region or area businesses?
No. Members of the Brock community may not park at these locations or any commercial entity in the area. These businesses require full use of their own parking facilities, and will likely enforce their regulations for the foreseeable future. Parking on campus will remain available. Consider carpooling, taking the bus, or getting dropped off near campus to minimize any delay that you might experience crossing the picket line.
19. What alternatives should students consider to deal with traffic and parking delays associated with the labour disruption?
With transit buses dropping off and picking up passengers along Glenridge Avenue and St. David’s Road, Brock students and staff are urged to consider using public transit to avoid delays and reduce congestion during the labour disruption. As well, consider other alternatives such as car-pooling, or adjusting schedules to reach the campus earlier than normal arrival time.
Perhaps most importantly, people are encouraged to be patient and leave themselves extra time to get to and from the University during the labour disruption.
20. Will a labour disruption affect the academic year?
The University remains open and all non-ESL classes and activities are expected to continue as scheduled. Students should continue to attend classes and complete course work as usual. The University will effect solutions to situations should they arise, and this information will be posted on the Brock website and communicated to all students.
21. Will a labour disruption affect my graduation status?
No. The University is committed to completing the term as scheduled.
22. Will I be able to access library services during a labour disruption?
Yes, Brock libraries will continue to operate and provide services to students. Online access to information resources will continue to be offered to students through the library website.
23. I have applied to graduate school and I am concerned that final grades will not be available for admission and scholarship consideration. I have applied to a professional program or to another college/university to pursue another program, and I am concerned that I will not have final grades for admission consideration.
Although there may be alterations and changes to student assignments, course requirements or other aspects of the evaluation process, the expectation is that grades will be submitted in a timely fashion so as not to disadvantage graduate or undergraduate students in need of these final grades.
24. I have booked flights or arranged my living accommodations based on the posted final examination schedule. I am starting a job immediately following my final exam. I am concerned that there will be changes or extensions to the posted examination schedules.
The University remains open with the expectation that the term will continue to operate as scheduled. However, as a result of the current work disruption, faculty may be utilizing alternate forms of delivery and instruction and may make alterations to student evaluation processes.
