Ottawa, October 10, 2024 – Full-time professors and librarians and their representatives from the Association of Professors of the University of Ottawa (APUO), are gathered at Tabaret Hall to deliver a petition signed by 863 of 1235, or 70% of APUO Members demanding that the administration fully engage with key proposals that will dramatically improve the quality of education and research on campus.
Full-time professors and librarians, represented by the APUO, are entering their fifth month of collective bargaining. Since the beginning of this challenging and crucial round of bargaining, the APUO’s Negotiation Team has highlighted how insufficient numbers of academic staff, ongoing cuts to administrative and teaching supports, and a significant erosion of collegial governance have negatively impacted the quality of education and research at the University of Ottawa.
Faced with the administration’s refusal to negotiate on proposals aimed at rectifying these systemic issues, the APUO is today presenting this majority petition, which is testimony to the mobilization and determination of our members.
“Full-time professors and librarians are determined to fight for the quality of education at uOttawa” said Dimitri Karmis, APUO President. “With our working conditions directly impacting students’ learning conditions, we are prepared to use every tool available to defend our university’s core missions.”
The parties have agreed to mediation on October 17, ahead of their first conciliation meeting on November 5. Full-time professors and librarians are hopeful that this show of unity and the assistance of external parties will lead to a strong collective agreement that prioritizes and protects education and research at the University of Ottawa.
About the APUO
The Association of Professors of the University of Ottawa (APUO) is a professional association and certified union, representing just over 1,300 full-time professors, librarians, language teachers, and Continuing Special Appointments Professors (CSAP).
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Nicole Desnoyers
Communications, Mobilization, and Research Officer
nicole@apuo.ca
613-695-2368
www.apuo.ca
@APUOtt