An overwhelming majority of unionized faculty at Western University appear willing to hit the picket line to get a new contract with the university.
The University of Western Ontario Faculty Association (UWOFA) announced Thursday that 94 per cent of its membership voted in favour of strike action to "strengthen bargaining goals during faculty negotiations." The move sets the stage for a possible work stoppage in November.
"A positive strike vote does not mean there must be a strike," UWOFA said in a message to members issued Thursday. "A provincially-appointed conciliator will join your negotiating team and the administration side at the table on October 11, 12, and 15. UWOFA remains hopeful a fair and equitable settlement can be reached through the conciliation process."
In the event an agreement does not emerge from the conciliated talks, a "no board" report could be filed with the Ministry of Labour. If that happens, a lockout or strike could begin 17 days later.
"I'm absolutely delighted with the vote," said UWOFA President Daniel Belliveau. "I am keeping in mind the fact that the faculty believes that teaching is the core mission of the university and we're absolutely dedicated to that. We do not want to go down the strike route. There's plenty of time for us to find a deal at the table."
A statement from the university said the vote was a standard part of the negotiation process.
"Western and faculty have a history of working professionally through contract talks and we continue to work hard to reach a new agreement at the bargaining table," the statement said.