September 13, 2022
Dear FSA Members,
Another September is upon us. With a slight bit of trepidation and perhaps a bit of excitement we look forward to the busyness of another semester and the start of another academic year.
Over the last few weeks as we ramp up for another season of learning I can’t help but say it is nice to see people in person. That being said Covid is still here and precautions are certainly warranted. Unfortunately, I had the pleasure of experiencing the results of a Covid infection this week.
For those of you who managed to get a break over the summer welcome back. For those of you who didn’t get a break or work through the summer – thank you for keeping UFV functioning.
Much as it is nice to be back, we are all playing the inflation-based game of “What happened to my paycheque?” We are all watching inflation continue to take a bite out of our pay – in a real way.
All public service unions in BC are united in seeking wage increases which will allow their members to keep up with inflation. Our BCGEU colleagues are leading the charge in the call for a cost-of-living adjustment in our agreements.
We need to challenge our government. Why is it that our political leaders find it fair to insert cost of living adjustments into their salary yet this is denied to the public sector workers in BC?
As your representatives in the workplace, we continue to support the professional interests of all faculty and staff at UFV - We are stronger together. The FSA continues to grow and expand the services and advocacy that we provide you. Our labour relations team is busy serving you by ensuring that the employer is living up to the collective agreement. But please remember that the FSA is you and me. We are always looking for members to get involved in the work that we do. From steward to joint committee member to being a member of our executive we invite you to get involved.
Be curious about the FSA and share your talents with us, we invite members to drop by our member -lounge on B375 in Abbotsford - We are stronger together.
We are privileged to work and live in Sto:lo T’em’exw – the FSA gives thanks to the Sto:lo for their stewardship of these lands and we give thanks to the Sto:lo for allowing us to work and live here.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Rod Hayward
Associate Professor
UFV FSA President