Saskatoon: Concerned academics at the University of Saskatchewan are demanding senior administrators resolve the outstanding issues at the bargaining table tomorrow and end the contract dispute with its support staff.  “This strike has crippled academic life and damaged the university’s reputation,” says Dr. Sarah Hoffman, a Professor and Head of the Department of Philosophy.

Everyone had high hopes the dispute would be settled in conciliation talks last week, but senior administrators refused to end the strike through mediation, preferring to gamble on a final offer vote. Dr. Hoffman describes that decision as “reckless and irresponsible.”

Earlier this week, striking support workers soundly rejected that offer.

“Senior administrators have left us in a terrible position,” says Dr. Hoffman. “We are now facing the last week of classes and final exams, one of the busiest times of the academic year, without any support staff to type exams, enter grades, and deal with issues involving the end of term.”

Dr. Linda Wason-Ellam, a Professor in the Department of Curriculum Studies, says professors are very concerned about the academic integrity of the institution.

“We are trying to keep our academic programs going, but it’s extremely difficult under the circumstances and most of us are exhausted,” she says.

Dr. Wason-Ellam says many faculty and other staff members are losing patience and confidence in senior administrators at the university.

She says members of the Concerned Academic Community want the administration to approach the conciliation table tomorrow prepared to compromise and negotiate a settlement to end the dispute.

“It’s in the best interests of students, staff and the academic mission of this university,” Dr. Wason-Ellam says.

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