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Information for all Queen's University
Non-Unionized Support Staff

Process
(provided for all interested parties)

Process

Mission

The mission of the Working Group on Unionization (WGU) is to promote an educated understanding of the five (5) Unions in question, based on their strengths and weaknesses in our specific sector (University Support Staff including Research Grant and Contract employees). Our commitment is to honour the process of informing ourselves both individually and collectively.

Preamble

The following outlines the process of these investigations including approximate timelines. These details are published in an effort to inform the Queen's Staff community of our expectations, and to offer guidance to prospective Unions of interest. It should be noted that timelines stated here are subject to change, and all interested parties should endeavour to watch this web site for continued updates.

QUSA Union Information Sessions

The Queen's University Staff Association (QUSA) initiated this process based on the response of a survey to its members (March 27, 2008). They contacted five (5) prospective Unions to meet with Queen's Staff to provide more information regarding unionization (Information Sessions to be held during the period April 28, 2008 to June 2, 2008). Invited Unions include:
  • CAW (Canadian Auto Workers)
  • CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees)
  • OPSEU (Ontario Public Service Employees Union)
  • OSSTF (Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation)
  • USW (United Steelworkers)

The WGU will attend all five (5) Information Sessions, take detailed notes, and ask targeted questions to each Union in an attempt to interview and assess their strength in our sector (University Support Staff including Research Grant and Contract employees).

Data Collection

Detailed notes gathered at the Information Sessions will be summarized and posted for Queen's Staff to review, so that they can begin to recognize differences between each Union as well as their strengths.

The WGU will solicit comments from Queen's Staff through this web site after each Information Session. These comments, as well as Union responses to targeted questions, will be posted on this web site for all to review - see Summary page.

Meetings with Staff

In an effort to reach out to Queen's Staff, the WGU will meet with as many Units on campus as possible that are interested in the option of unionization (during the period May 14, 2008 to June 9, 2008). At these meetings, Queen's Staff will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the issues and concerns that have initiated this process.

Decision Method

Based on investigations by the WGU, and feedback submitted by Queen's Staff, the WGU will rank all five (5) Unions. If necessary, the leading Union will be contacted to complete the process of how they will best meet the needs of Staff at Queen's (~June 4, 2008 if required).

Current Local Executive Members from a University in Ontario that belong to the leading Union, may also be contacted to discuss challenges or concerns that they might have encountered during the process of unionization at their institution (interview ~June 5 or 6, 2008 if required).

Report Details

The WGU will then release the Final Selection Report announcing the Union of choice, on behalf of Queen's Staff, based on the following:
  • Data collected by (QUSA) (Unionization survey results from March 2008)
  • Questions and responses from the Information Sessions
  • Investigations by the WGU
  • Feedback from Queen's Staff
The Final Selection Report will be posted on this web site, and distributed to all interested parties (~June 10, 2008).

Formal Invitation

At the same time the Final Selection Report is released (~June 10, 2008), a formal invitation to the Union of choice will be extended immediately by the WGU on behalf of Queen's Staff. It is expected that the successful Union will have notable presence in our community within a timely fashion.

Debriefing

As a final step the WGU will meet with the successful Union to consult with the Campaigning Team to ensure the continuation of engagement with Queen's Staff.

Transition

This will conclude the WGU's formal participation in the first phase of the potential unionization process.

Future Considerations

Educating ourselves further regarding the pros and cons of unionization will continue to play an important role in making the final unified decision regarding unionization for Staff at Queen's.

Staff should be encouraged to continue to participate in the next phase, as it will be critical to our success in making a unified decision.

The Union of Choice will be establishing an Organizing Committee as the first step in their campaign efforts. If Staff Members are interested in participating in the next phase, please send your name and contact information to info@qustaff.ca.

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