Jan 14, 2009
Backbencher wants premier to recall legislature to get striking university back in class
By ANTONELLA ARTUSO, QUEEN'S PARK BUREAU CHIEF (Toronto Sun)
Premier Dalton McGuinty's government should recall the Ontario legislature to put an immediate end to the York University strike, Conservative MPP Peter Shurman says.
"I want to see Dalton McGuinty take his responsibilities, which is something he's not famous for, and get this legislature meeting again for the sole purpose at this point of passing back-to-work legislation, or at the very least forcing them back to work with binding arbitration," Shurman said.
Members of CUPE 3903, which represents contract faculty and teaching and graduate assistants, will vote on a university offer Monday and Tuesday.
But Shurman said there's no certainty that it will be accepted and the strike will be 11-weeks-old by that point, possibly jeopardizing the school year for 50,000 students.
The McGuinty government moved very quickly to end a TTC strike last spring, and this situation is just as dire, Shurman said.
Colleges and Universities Minister John Milloy said the government has been encouraging both sides in the labour dispute to come to an agreement.
"The situation at York is very concerning; it's obviously affecting so many students and their families," Milloy said. "Unfortunately, one of the by-products of a collective bargaining system is that you have these disruptions but we're going to push both sides to resolve this as quickly as possible."
Milloy did not support a return of the legislature to deal with the matter, noting that universities are independent bodies who must negotiate agreements with their staff.
"That's the way these issues are resolved," he said. "I understand how frustrating it must be for the parents and for the students involved."