September 17, 2025
Dear Friends:
By now the fall semester and back-to-school reality is hitting home for all of us. Some of us are teaching classes, some of us are supporting that work, some of us are taking classes and some of us are parents of little ones and not-so-little ones going back to school.
For those of us with families, the costs of all that education may be piling up. Food and transportation costs are up, rents are outrageous, and everything else is expensive. How do we balance buying shoes and supplies for our children with buying nutritious food?
In the news, we’re seeing layoffs at other institutions and reduced workloads and contract faculty losses here at UFV. That’s sure to have an effect on you. We are going into bargaining seeing low offers and workers going on strike. International news is scary. There are wars and shootings in too many places of which to keep track. I stepped outside for a lunchtime walk last week and there was wildfire smoke in the air. I was struck by what we’re doing to our environment.
We recognize there’s a lot of fear and anxiety and we’re checking in to see if you’re okay. We urge you to take care of yourself: make that cup of tea, attend an exercise class, meditate and spend time with friends. These are the things that ground us.
One of the best ways to alleviate fear and anxiety is through action, and we invite you to participate with us on our organizing and job action committee to support our bargaining team and see each other through these troubled times.
Organizing and Job Action Committee
We’re looking for six to eight members for our organizing and job action committee. Together we will create a manual and language around job action. The committee will remain together until we have a ratified agreement. If part of your job is service work, this would count.
Please apply by the end of the day on Monday, October 13, to serve on this committee. To apply, for questions, and all other enquiries, please email [email protected].
Meanwhile, if you need help dealing with the world, take advantage of UFV’s employee benefits. https://www.ufv.ca/hr/health-well-being/
We also have two opportunities coming up to socialize and connect with other members of our union:
Coffee & Cookie Chat with FSA President Greg Mather
Join FSA President Greg Mather and other union executive members for a coffee and informal chat in Abbotsford room B133 on September 22.
When: 11 am–1 pm, Monday, September 22
Where: Abbotsford room B133
Who: All faculty & staff welcome
What: Coffee & cookies on us!
Fall Patio Social
We hope you’ll join us for a back-to-school get together on the patio in K building on the Abbotsford campus. Come for the snacks and an informal chat after work.
When: 4:30–7 pm, Thursday, September 25
Where: Building K patio
Who: All faculty & staff welcome!
What: Alcoholic drinks $5, mocktails and light snacks provided free
In solidarity,
Lisa Morry
VP Engagement
