Premier recalls legislature to pass back-to-work legislation
TORONTO, January 24, 2009 -- Premier Dalton McGuinty has recalled the Ontario legislature on Sunday 25 Jan at 1pm in order to pass back-to-work-legislation to bring an end to the strike by CUPE 3903 at York University. This is the text of the Premier’s statement:
“On Wednesday, I asked Ontario's top labour mediator, Reg Pearson, to make one final attempt to resolve the ongoing labour dispute at York University. Since that time Mr. Pearson has met with both sides and worked to resolve the strike through mediation and discussion. Earlier today I was advised by Mr. Pearson that there is no reasonable prospect of a negotiated settlement between York University and CUPE Local 3903. The sides are in a clear deadlock, and despite our best efforts to bring the sides together, that has not changed. The strike is also at the point where the academic year is in jeopardy for York students. In challenging economic times, when we need all our people at their best, we simply cannot afford to delay the education of 45,000 of our best and brightest young people. Having exhausted all other options, I will be recalling the legislature as of Sunday at 1 pm for the purposes of introducing back to work legislation. I am asking MPP’s from all parties to provide unanimous consent for immediate passage of the bill so that students can get back to school this week.”
York President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri said: “Like the Premier, we would have preferred to reach a negotiated settlement at the table. However – and most importantly - this initiative by the Premier will help our 50,000 students get back to class as soon as possible.” Dr. Shoukri continued: “I look forward to welcoming our students back. We are working tirelessly to facilitate as smooth a return as possible and plans are already in motion to protect the integrity of their academic programs.” If this legislation passes, all outstanding items between the two parties will go to mediation and binding arbitration. Students should monitor the yorku.ca website for updates.
York University Senate policies for remediation and accommodation can be seen here.
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Contact:Alex Bilyk, Director, Media Realtions, York University, 416.736.5603, cell 416.707.9574, bilyk@yorku.ca