Editorial: Collective bargaining and the politicization of student unions

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An open letter to the AUFA, Board of Governors and the conciliator

To the AUFA, Board of Governors, and the Conciliator,

As a student concerned with the matter at hand, and one who prides myself in being very aware of the situation, I must say that I am very disheartened with all the parties involved for two reasons: for allowing yourselves to take valuable time before returning to the table, and secondly, for not allowing a representative of the students to allow to join the table, to assist and collaborate with the parties to help reach a successful agreement, as well as be more aware and immersed in the bargaining process to have more information for the student body and leave less to speculation. Please note that I am not taking the side of either the AUFA or the Board of Governors in this matter, however I do take the side of the party that best represents my interest in the quality of this university, such as class sizes, course availability, etc. as well as one that is concerned with the future well-being, both financially and reputably.

I think you all can agree that time is a very valuable asset and that the incorrect use of it is detrimental to all aspects of society. Although negotiations fell apart, it is not constructive to take time away from working towards a solution and to seemingly prepare arguments that the other party will have an equal rebuttal for. It is more constructive, however to sit down and discuss ideas with one another and to communicate. This is something I was taught in elementary school and was exemplified in university: communication is one of the most important aspects of a community. To discuss is to learn. Please tell me how you expect to learn while the table is empty.

Communication is also more valuable when there are more people present, both to teach and to learn. The Acadia Students’ Union is by far the best party to have present in these discussions. As a student and part of the sole aspect and reason behind your institution, it disgusts me that there is not a party seated at the table with my interests in mind, and one that will openly convey to me the greater details of the process that is occurring. I also believe it to be backwards minded to not allow another voice at your table that may be able to present new ideas or to at least motivate the parties to reach a collective agreement. We pride ourselves in being a liberal and diverse university where all sides are heard as well as new and creative ideas are manifested and as my mother always said: the more the merrier.

In conclusion, I would like to address the students of Acadia who are concerned as I am about this situation: pressure (such is the sole purpose of my letter) to push all parties to return to the table, and to allow a representative of the students to join in the process, is our best strategy at this point in time. Displaying this pressure constructively via letters, marches, sit-ins, etc. is what we all should be doing as proud students of Acadia.

With sincere hopes of resolution,

A student.