October 29, 2007
U of S Prepares as CUPE Advises Members of Planned General Walk-out
Posted October 29, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 29, 2007
2007-10-12-OTHER
SASKATOON...The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) moves quickly to shore up plans as CUPE 1975 distributes a voice message to all members at work, of a planned general walk-out to commence at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2007.
"Without any direct communications from CUPE on the provision of essential services despite our specific request to meet and discuss this issue, we have to make plans to ensure the safety and security of patients, students, staff, and animals," said Association Vice-President, Barb Daigle. "We are concerned that there has been no response from the Union to our written request to meet about this that we sent them on October 25, and October 29th."
The University developed contingency plans and has enacted them to address essential services and operational responsibilities in the event of any labour disruption.
"CUPE indicated that job action may begin as early as 4:00 p.m. today and that members have been told to stop work at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow," Daigle added. "While we respect the rights of those employees who are members of CUPE 1975 to engage in job action, we are also taking all appropriate steps to ensure the University is prepared."
In the event of job action, the University's priorities are to ensure the safety and security of students, patients, staff and animals, and to ensure the continuation of academic programming.
The University's current offer includes a 17 per cent increase over three years. The increase represents 4.5% increase in 2007, 4.75% in 2008 and 5.0% in 2009. Pension contributions increase from 4.82% to 6.0% in 2008 and to 6.5% in 2009 (1.68% increase). Unsocial hours premium increase from $0.80/hour to $0.90/hours and is expanded to cover casual and recurring relief employees. Those employees who are already over the top of their salary range will receive one-time lump sum payments of 5% in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Benefits funding has been increased to 6.0%. At the end of the conciliation process last week, the University's wage offer had been accepted by the union. The only remaining issues were increases for non-performers and benefits.
"The University will do everything possible to continue normal operations, including continuing students' classes," Daigle said. "We remain committed to bringing negotiations with CUPE 1975 to a conclusion as soon as possible."
CUPE 1975 represents about 2,100 administration, maintenance, custodial and food services employees at the U of S.
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Additional information can be viewed at www.blogs.usask.ca/updates
An information line has been created at 966-6510
For more information contact:
Lori Auchstaetter
Human Resources, University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6278 or (306) 291-7274
October 26, 2007
CUPE Serves Strike Notice to the U of S
Posted October 26, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 26, 2007
2007-10-10-OTHER
SASKATOON...Despite an offer of a 17% wage increase over three years and significant compromise on the part of the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), CUPE 1975 issued strike notice to the University today and notified the Minister of Labour that a strike may commence as early as 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 29, 2007.
"The University is well-prepared in the event of job action, which can take a number of forms," said Associate Vice President, Human Resources, Barb Daigle. "We are implementing our contingency plans immediately and our priority remains the health and safety of all people on campus who are dependent on our services, with special attention to patients both of the University and at the Royal University Hospital, students, employees, and animal care. We will do everything possible to ensure that students' studies are not disrupted, and for now it's business as usual."
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Note: Additional information can be viewed at www.usask.ca / Human Resources Collective Bargaining Updates
For more information contact:
Lori Auchstaetter
Human Resources
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6278 or (306) 291-7274
CUPE Rejects University of Saskatchewan’s Final Offer
Posted October 26, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 26, 2007
2007-10-09-OTHER
Conciliation talks ended last night as CUPE 1975 rejected the University of Saskatchewan’s (U of S) final offer. Government’s conciliator, Doug Forseth adjourned the process in view of the Union’s lack of movement on the remaining issues.
The University offered a 17% wage increase over three years, which included wage, pension and benefit increases.
“We entered the conciliation process at CUPE’s request in the hope that the talks would lead to a settlement,” said Associate Vice-President, Human Resources, Barb Daigle. “As we worked with the Conciliator over the last three days, we made significant compromises and suggested creative solutions to meet the Union’s needs. We are disappointed at the Union’s refusal to entertain compromises or work with us to find solutions.”
The outstanding issues centre on an increase to benefits funding and on language in the collective agreement that allows the Universities to withhold increments from non-performers (CUPE members also receive annual economic adjustments). Both Universities are in a position to fully fund the benefits programs currently in place for CUPE members. The U of S has a benefit plan surplus of $106,965.
“We tabled a comprehensive offer which is competitive in the provincial environment and the marketplace” said Daigle. “This offer recognizes the valuable contribution that CUPE members make to our University. We are concerned that the two union locals appear to be deadlocked over differences in how to approach the issue of group benefits funding at each campus” Daigle added. “There is no solution in sight after three days of conciliation.”
The University has developed contingency plans and is prepared in the event of any labour disruption.
We remain committed to bringing negotiations with CUPE 1975 to a conclusion after seven months of bargaining and having listened carefully to the Union. Our goal is to balance the needs and expectations of the Union and its members with the interests and financial resources of the University.
The University of Saskatchewan and The University of Regina are required by law to bargain jointly with CUPE despite significant differences in issues and approaches at the two universities and in the two union locals.
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Note: Additional information can be viewed at http://www.usask.ca/hrd/memos/bargaining_updates.php Collective Bargaining Updates
For more information contact:
Lori Auchstaetter
Human Resources
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6278 or (306) 291-7274
October 25, 2007
University of Saskatchewan Fall Convocation on October 27, 2007
Posted October 25, 2007
IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 25, 2007
2007-10-08-OTHER
The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) will hold its annual Fall Convocation, October 27, 2007 at TCU Place in downtown Saskatoon. Over 850 degrees, diplomas and certificates will be conferred by newly installed Chancellor Vera Pezer. The event features a morning and afternoon ceremony:
Morning Ceremony (academic procession begins at 8:45 a.m.; presentations begin at 9:00 a.m.)
* Installation ceremony for Chancellor Vera Pezer
* President's Address by Peter MacKinnon
* Degrees conferred to students graduating in Arts and Science
* Presentation of awards to distinguished graduates
* Master Teacher Award, presented to political studies professor Jeffrey Steeves
* President's Service Award, presented to U of S employee Barbara Gillis
Afternoon Ceremony (academic procession begins at 1:45 p.m.; presentations begin at 2:00 p.m.)
* Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree presentation to former Saskatchewan Premier, author and U of S political studies professor Roy Romanow
* Convocation Address by Roy Romanow
* President's Statement to Graduands by Peter MacKinnon
* Degrees conferred to students graduating in Agriculture and Bioresources, Business, Education, Engineering, Kinesiology, Law, Medicine (including Physical Therapy), Nursing, Pharmacy and Nutrition, and Veterinary Medicine
* Presentation of awards to distinguished graduates
* Distinguished Researcher Award, presented to pharmacokinetics researcher and teacher Jane Alcorn
* Distinguished Graduate Supervisor Award, presented to agricultural economics expert Murray Fulton
* J.W. George Ivany Internationalization Award, presented to community health and epidemiology assistant professor Lori Hanson
* Award for Distinction in Outreach and Engagement, presented to soil scientist Jeff Schoenau
* Alumni Award of Achievement, presented to business leader W. Brett Wilson
Media are welcome to attend. For further details on award and honorary degree recipients, visit www.awards.usask.ca. Convocation information is at www.students.usask.ca/convocation.
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For additional information, contact:
Patty Martin
Community and Media Relations Specialist
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone (306) 966-6919
University of Saskatchewan Space Design Team Takes First Place in 2007 Space Elevator Games
Posted October 25, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 25, 2007
2007-10-07-OTHER
The University of Saskatchewan Space Design Team (USST) has received its third first-place finish in as many years in the prestigious Elevator:2010 competition, this year held October 19-21 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The competition provides a forum to showcase technologies that could one day transport people and payloads into space without the use of rockets.
The USST's technology focused on what the team describes as "the world's most powerful non-military beaming device" to send a robotic climber up a carbon-fibre tether that was anchored to the ground and suspended by a crane. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration restricted air-space over the competition site when the USST powered up their laser beam, capable of reaching targets 250 km away.
"This is a breakthrough," said Ben Sheles, CEO of the non-profit Spaceward Foundation, a competition sponsor, when speaking about the USST performance during an interview with the Deseret Morning News. "Nobody in the history of NASA ever transferred that much power using laser. I'm very happy with the level of technology demonstrated. This one is very, very impressive."
Although the results are not yet official, the USST climber appears to have been slightly short of the competition's time restriction and therefore not eligible for the $500,000 top prize. In total, 22 teams from around the globe were slated to participate in this year's space elevator competition, and the USST was one of only two teams whose climber reached the top of the tether.
The USST has been invited to speak about their technology at an upcoming European aerospace conference, and is already setting their sights on the 2008 space elevator competition.
Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
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For additional information, visit www.usst.ca or contact:
Patty Martin
Community and Media Relations Specialist
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone (306) 966-6919
October 24, 2007
University of Saskatchewan and Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon Announce Environmentally Sustainable Partnership
Posted October 24, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 24, 2007
2007-10-06-OTHER
The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) and Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon have announced a new partnership that will support the local community while protecting our environment.
During an annual event celebrating "Campus Sustainability Day" today at the U of S, Colin Tennent, U of S Associate Vice-President of Facilities Management and University Architect, and Ian MacLennan, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon, announced an agreement that paves the way for used equipment and construction materials to be donated to Habitat for Humanity's ReStore. Profits from Habitat's sale of reusable or surplus building materials and equipment will be used to support the building Affordable Habitat homes.
"The University is moving forward with sustainability in a systematic and coordinated way, so that sustainability informs all aspects of our short-term activities and long-term planning," said Tennent.
The approach not only underscores the University's desire to increase social responsibility, but will result in savings by minimizing handling and storage costs.
"This partnership will assist Habitat for Humanity's capacity to build additional affordable homes, conduct a higher level of operations and improve our services," said MacLennan.
As part of the agreement, University students have the opportunity to be employed by Habitat for Humanity to assist in some aspect of the charity's operation.
Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
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For additional information, contact:
Val Szydlowski
Communications Manager
Facilities Management Division
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone (306) 966-8844
Ian MacLennan
Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon
Telephone (306) 343-7772 ext 223
October 12, 2007
University of Saskatchewan Climate Change Research Impacts Agriculture
Posted October 12, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 12, 2007
2007-10-03-A&S
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) are working on drought prediction models that could help farmers in planning ahead for the weather.
In support of the research, Talisman Energy Inc. CEO Dr. Jim Buckee announced a $300,000 donation to the University’s Saskatchewan Isotope Laboratory (SIL), during an event today at the U of S. The funding, which creates the Jim Buckee Research Support Program, enables the University’s isotope researchers to delve deeper into the details of climate variation.
“By unraveling historical climate change, we begin to understand both the natural and unexpected climates that have occurred in the past,” said Dr. Buckee. “The importance of this is not only how it places current changes within normal climate fluctuations, but also its impact on how we should react."
The research is expected to lead to the most detailed quantitative climate reconstruction of the western provinces to date. SIL scientists intend to better predict regional climate change by creating a model of temperature, rainfall and snowpack to assist farmers, energy suppliers, wildlife managers and transporters.
“Arguably, there is no issue of greater scientific significance than gaining an understanding of the earth’s climate system,” says Dr. William Patterson, geological science professor and SIL director. “It is critical to all aspects of human society, and to the health of global and regional ecosystems, that we gain an understanding of past climates to understand and prepare for future climates.”
Dr. Chris Holmden, whose work led to the creation of the SIL in 2000, notes the lab, the only one of its kind in Canada, is recognized globally as a leader in climate record research. The SIL’s innovative chemical and robotic sampling methods recover environmental records from items such as clams, trees and fish ear stones.
The Talisman Energy Inc. donation brings total funds raised through the University’s Thinking the World of our Future campaign to over $142 million.
Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
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For additional information, contact:
Genine Neufeld
Associate Director, Marketing & Donor Relations
Development, University Advancement
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone (306) 966-2227
