Defence Fund President's Report to CAUT Council
Spring 2009

Thankfully, the period since my report to the Fall 2008 CAUT council has been quiet; since last November, there have been no job actions by any member association of the CAUT Defence Fund. This, of course, is in stark contrast to the 16 months from July 2007 to October 2008, during which seven strikes/lockouts took place.

Since November 2008, tentative agreements were reached without strike or lockout at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University (FUNSCAD), Sir Wilfrid Laurier University (WLUFA), and Concordia University (CUFA). Negotiations for academic staff are continuing at the University of Regina (URFA).

In every case, negotiators could work with the confidence that the CAUT Defence Fund would provide excellent support in the event that strike action would be necessary to defend and promote the working conditions of their members.

The Planning and Policy Committee continues to work on the tasks given at the last trustees meeting, which are to take a comprehensive look at the governing documents of the Fund, and also examine some key financial matters.

The Fund's finances remain strong during the current global economic crisis, largely because no assets are kept in equities. While draws on the Fund during the current financial year have again been significant, they have not exceeded the amount of revenue expected. One thing that remains to be seen is whether/how the economic crisis impacts collective bargaining trends, and from that the intensity of job actions by unionized academic staff.

As always, the Fund is grateful for the excellent work by CAUT staff in support of its activities!

The 2009 annual meeting of the Defence Fund Board of Trustees will be this October in Windsor, Ontario. A report of the decisions taken at that meeting will be made at the next meeting of CAUT council.

In solidarity, and respectfully submitted by,

Lawrence Hale
President and Trustee (UPEI)
March 21, 2009