Selinger defends stance on BU strike
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/11/2011 (5408 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Parents of Brandon University students left a meeting with Premier Greg Selinger, some shedding tears of anger, and all vowing their fight against the 43-day faculty strike is not over.
“This strike could be ended today,” said Stevie MacPherson, a second-year student who was among the group of protesters who met with Selinger to plead for a recall of the Manitoba legislature. “(Selinger) showed in this meeting that it won’t be ending today even though he has the power. He could be the hero.”
After the meeting, Selinger said the labour laws in place will be used to settle the strike and did not pledge to bring MLAs back for an emergency session to end the strike.
“Our response is we will do everything within the law to resolve this,” Selinger said. “That’s why a vote was called through the minister of labour on this matter. We will do everything within the laws we have to resolve this and we have the strongest laws in the country to bring these matters to a head with the ability of either side to request binding arbitration.”
When asked why a legislature recall wasn’t a preferred strategy, Selinger replied: “Because we have laws and we are following our laws.”
On Monday, Labour Minister Jennifer Howard ordered striking Brandon University Faculty Association members to vote on the administration’s last offer, a move the delegation believes will have little immediate impact.
“I think making the faculty vote will just make them angrier and will put more pressure between them,” MacPherson said. “I am leaning towards thinking this vote will be (to reject the offer).”
Selinger’s response didn’t sit well with the delegation, who pledged they will go to the legislature themselves if the government won’t take further action.
“No, absolutely not,” said Jeannie Robertson, a parent of a BU student, when asked if she was satisfied with Selinger’s responses.
“I don’t think anything was solved. I realize he listened to us and we appreciate his time. But as far as solving the problem, it has not been solved. We will keep sending letters. We will go to the legislature. We will lobby for more people to support our students so they can go back to class where they belong.”
Selinger said the meeting allowed him to learn about the challenges both students and parents have faced because of the disruption of classes.
“It’s been very hard on the students and very hard on the parents,” Selinger said. “They are very concerned they will lose a term and will lose that educational opportunity. Our minister of advanced education has asked the university to draft a plan to save the term when this dispute is resolved.”
The premier noted he was also frustrated a resolution to the prolonged labour action remains elusive.
“We all would like to see this resolved as quickly as possible because the students deserve their opportunity to get their education,” Selinger said. “We think binding arbitration is a very good option that should be taken immediately.”
» kborkowsky@brandonsun.com