Spring 1999 – Report from the CAUT Defence Fund

It is once again necessary to report that during the past six months the Defence Fund has been called upon to provide strike benefits, loans and solidarity visits for striking academic staff. The second strike by the Mount Allison Faculty Association in seven years was the focus of Defence Fund activity since its last report to Council. As a member of MAFA, this seems like a good opportunity to express personal thanks to those many Associations from across Canada who by their financial and moral support provided an essential element of the success of MAFA in a difficult situation. The strike benefits paid by the Defence Fund and the generous support of other Associations meant that the financial position of many MAFA members, especially younger colleagues, was not harmed by the strike. The final settlement is still awaiting at least one, and probably two, arbitrations. However the gains to date in the new collective agreement mean that the support was not provided in vain.

In addition to the financial support for MAFA, the Defence Fund organized two very successful, and much appreciated National Solidarity visits to MAFA involving Defence Fund Trustees and others from universities from Manitoba to Newfoundland. Denise Nevo of Mount Saint Vincent did the main organization of these visits.

On a positive note, it is a pleasure to report that no other call has been made on the Fund since my last report so that the fund has grown from $9,674,131 to $9,997,005 over the past six months.

The approaching end of the 1998-99 academic year means that the Defence Fund is unlikely to need to support strike action over the next few months. Nevertheless, the record of five strikes in the last three academic years indicates that the Defence Fund will continue to be called on to provide support when the collective bargaining process reaches an impasse. The situation of UCCB which has been working without a contract for a lengthy period is particularly acute. In addition there are many associations who will begin bargaining before fall. The Defence Fund wishes them success in reaching collective agreements, and stands ready to help should it become necessary.

I am glad to report that routine business and information dissemination within the Defence Fund is now handled by electronic means resulting in savings for members. And don't forget to visit the Web site of the Defence Fund at www.defencefund.caut.ca.

The Defence Fund site has begun to provide a permanent record of the Websites created by Associations during their strikes. Brandon's is already available and MAFA's is coming soon.

As this is my last report to Council as Defence Fund Chair, I wish to acknowledge the pleasure of working with the Trustees and especially those who serve the Defence Fund as Treasurer and Committee Chairs, and with the CAUT staff who administer the Defence Fund. I wish Council well in its deliberations which it has always been illuminating to experience.

Robert Rosebrugh, Chair
CAUT Defence Fund
1999 March 18