All-Star Bluegrass Celebration Concert featuring the Sweet Lowdown,the Moonshiners, the Riverside Trio and the Clover Point Drifters. Proceeds from this concert will go towards the annual Sooke River Bluegrass Festival which is coming up in June.

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A fundraising event for Variety the Children’s Charity. There will be live music and a silent auction. Ticket sales and silent auction items are all cash only.

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MBA Students Take To The Streets COMPETING FOR MANN CUP TROPHY Nanaimo Airport Commission and VIU form partnership in student business challenge VIU RELEASE: 2013/020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Students in Vancouver Island University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program will be out at grocery retailers and other venues this Saturday (Feb. [...]

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A bike and gear swap, in downtown Nanaimo (China Steps)

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HELP STUDENTS IMPROVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS HELPING STUDENTS TO HELP THEMSELVES VIU RELEASE: 2013/018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Thursday, February 14, 2013 NANAIMO, BC – Any Vancouver Island University student who is struggling to get the grades they need (or want) now has a place to go for help. A new program called Grade First Aid [...]

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VIU’S CULINARY STUDENTS HONE SKILLS AT COMPETITIONS Support from VIU’s culinary faculty key ingredient in their success VIU NEWS RELEASE: 2013/016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 7, 2013 NANAIMO, BC – With the support of VIU’s dedicated Culinary Arts faculty, students are sharpening their cooking and baking skills to prepare for a variety of culinary [...]

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HAZARDOUS TREES REMOVED FROM VIU’S MILNER GARDENS VIU student and visitor safety restored, as well as health of the gardens VIU NEWS RELEASE: 2013/013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, January 31, 2013 NANAIMO, BC – In early January, professional arborists safely removed 16 hazardous trees from VIU’s Milner Gardens & Woodlands. Some of the trees towered [...]

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VIU APPOINTS NEW DEAN, FACULTY OF CAREER AND ACADEMIC PREPARATION FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 NANAIMO, BC – Jean Maltesen has been appointed to the position of Dean, Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation (ACP). The faculty includes programs such as Adult Basic Education, Literacy and Adult Special Education as well as the [...]

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VIU Co-op Students Recognized with New Award Four students celebrated at first annual Co-op Student of the Year Award ceremony and luncheon VIU RELEASE: 2013/007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, Jan. 24, 2013 NANAIMO, BC – At a luncheon on January 24 in VIU’s Discovery Room, students from VIU’s Faculty of Management’s Hospitality Management and Recreation [...]

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MEDIA ADVISORY What:            Vancouver Island University 2013 Convocation ceremonies When:           Monday, January 28 and Tuesday, January 29, 2:30 pm Where:          Port Theatre, Nanaimo Details:          A total of 218 Vancouver Island University graduates will receive University degrees at two separate daytime convocation ceremonies at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo on Jan. 28 and 29. The [...]

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VIU NEWS RELEASE: 2013/05 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, January 23, 2013 VIU Biology graduate to receive Alumni Horizon Award One of Canada’s leading experts in bat ecology and conservation to accept award Jan. 29 In high school, Lynne Burns never thought about pursuing a career in science. Today, this Vancouver Island University graduate is one [...]

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VANCOUVER ISLAND POET STEVEN PRICE READS AT VIU JAN. 28 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 NANAIMO, BC – Vancouver Island poet Steven Price will read from his new book of poems, Omens in the Year of the Ox, and from Anatomy of Keys, a book-length poem that tells the story of Harry Houdini, [...]

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VIU NEWS RELEASE: 2013/03 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 Education students host “Learning Centres Day” at two Nanaimo elementary schools Jan. 21 Hands-on learning activities for Georgia Avenue and Fairview students NANAIMO, BC: Bachelor of Education students at Vancouver Island University will be hosting “Learning Centres Day” at two Nanaimo area elementary schools [...]

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Living with Monsters topic of Arts and Humanities talk Jan. 18 NANAIMO, BC: VIU creative writing instructor Kathy Page will give a free talk about her latest novel, The Find, at an Arts and Humanities Coloquium presentation Friday, Jan. 18 at the Nanaimo campus. A visit to a museum inspired Page to write about the [...]

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For Immediate Release January 14th, 2013 TRADES TRAINING AND CAREERS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND A community dialogue on trades training and Vancouver Island’s future prosperity. Nanaimo, B.C. – British Columbia is poised for rapid growth over the course of the next decade, with many projects requiring skilled tradespeople. Labour market forecasting indicates the Vancouver Island/Coast region [...]

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VIU NEWS RELEASE: 2012/154 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 NEW INTRO TO TRADES PROGRAM INSPIRES STUDENTS Kiosk project provides hands-on learning and teaching tool COWICHAN, BC: Students enrolled in a new Introduction to Trades program at Vancouver Island University’s Cowichan Campus say the program is changing their lives for the better. “The program [...]

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VIU AND CUPE 1858 REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT Details on renewed collective agreement to be released following ratification VIU RELEASE: 2012/146 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 7, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Vancouver Island University (VIU) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1858 have reached a tentative agreement for a renewed collective agreement.  The [...]

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VIU BOARD OF GOVERNORS CHAIR AWARDED DIAMOND JUBILEE MEDAL Mike Brown recognized for service to post-secondary education VIU RELEASE: 2012/145 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Vancouver Island University (VIU) Board of Governors Chair Michael (Mike) W. Brown has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal after being recommended [...]

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NO FURTHER JOB ACTION AT VIU BY SUPPORT STAFF UNION VIU and CUPE 1858 take major step forward towards reaching tentative settlement VIU RELEASE: 2012/145 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 3, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Vancouver Island University (VIU) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1858 have taken a major step forward [...]

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News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: December 3 TEDx Comes to Gabriola Island Contact: Rachel Davey Email: rachel@haven.ca Phone: 250 247 9211 x 235 On March 18 2013, the very first TEDxGabriolaIsland will take place at The Haven, Gabriola Island. Although many thousand TEDx events are held around the globe every year, TEDxGabriolaIsland is one [...]

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Sagamok Anishnawbek is one of the leading First Nations in Canada to be registered to ISO 9001 with SAI Global. This Webinar will describe Sagamok’s experience implementing and registering to ISO, and will explore how other First Nations across Canada can also benefit from this process. Register for the First Nation Success Story webinar today. [...]

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NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Distribution ‘We can inspire the nation’ Jane Sterk tells nomination supporters November 29, 2012, Victoria – Green Party of BC Leader Jane Sterk took the opportunity of her Nov. 29 nomination as candidate for Victoria – Beacon Hill to urge supporters in the riding and the province to ‘inspire the nation’ [...]

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For Immediate release The Mid Island chapter of the Council of Canadians is joining the Snuneymuxw First Nation, Save our Shores, the Sierra Club and Tanker Free BC for a rally outside the Kinder Morgan open house at Beban Park Rec. Centre, Bowen Road, Nanaimo, on December 4th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Kinder [...]

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City and School District 68 sign Collaboration Agreement (Nanaimo, November 29, 2012) – In the spirit of supporting a shared responsibility for community well-being, Nanaimo City Council and the Board of Education of School District 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) have signed a collaboration agreement that will see the two organizations work closely together on initiatives of mutual [...]

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TARGETED JOB ACTION AT VIU LATER THIS WEEK CUPE says job action will not disrupt students or classes VIU RELEASE: 2012/144 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Vancouver Island University (VIU) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1858 are continuing their efforts to finalize a renewed collective agreement. [...]

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MEDIA RELEASE:  NO DISRUPTION TO CLASSES AT VIU NEXT WEEK VIU RELEASE: 2012/143 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, November 23, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Vancouver Island University (VIU) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1858 are continuing their efforts to finalize a renewed collective agreement. CUPE has informed VIU that they do not [...]

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ROBBINS DONATES $20,000 TO ESTABLISH ENDOWMENT Endowment to be used to support annual scholarship for VIU’s Natural Resource Management Students     VIU RELEASE: 2012/142 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 22, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Robbins Parking Services Ltd has established an endowment fund by donating $20,000 in support of VIU’s Natural Resource Management students. [...]

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CLASSES AND SERVICES RESUME THURSDAY AT VIU   No further job action expected this week   VIU RELEASE: 2012/141 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1858 has informed Vancouver Island University (VIU) that their members will return to work on Thursday, November 22, [...]

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JOB ACTION CONTINUES WEDNESDAY AT VIU   Classes cancelled tomorrow as CUPE 1858 continues job action; Classes and service to resume as normal on Thursday, Nov. 22   VIU RELEASE: 2012/140 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Job action by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1858 will continue [...]

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JOB ACTION UPDATE FROM VIU   CUPE 1858 participating in two-day job action today and Wednesday with other locals at BC post-secondary institutions VIU RELEASE: 2012/139 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Job action by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1858 is underway at all Vancouver Island University [...]

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JOB ACTION TOMORROW TODAY AT VIU   CUPE 1858 to participate in two-day job action along with other locals at BC post-secondary institutions VIU RELEASE: 2012/138 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 19, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Vancouver Island University (VIU) has just learned that the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1858 will participate [...]

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VICTORIA–Five more BC community colleges are on strike.  The job action comes after failed last minute efforts by CUPE to get the provincial government to sign off on collective agreements with BC’s 3,000 CUPE college support workers. Campus-wide CUPE strikes start at 6am this morning and include North Island College, Vancouver Island University, Camosun College, College [...]

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CUPE 1858 SERVES JOB ACTION NOTICE VIU and support staff union continue to work to conclude renewed collective agreement without disruption to students VIU RELEASE: 2012/137 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, November 16, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Vancouver Island University (VIU) has received 72-hour notice from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1858 for [...]

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Parents and community members invited to info session VIU hosts ‘Discovery Days’ evening meeting Nov. 22 VIU RELEASE: 2012/138   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 19, 2012 Vancouver Island University is hosting a meeting for parents of future VIU students on Thursday, Nov. 22, 6 to 8 pm, in the Royal Arbutus Room (above the upper [...]

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NANAIMO – CUPE staff at BC’s colleges are readying for strike action.  Tentative plans call for an all-campus walkout starting on Tuesday, Nov. 20. Organizers say they are leaving the door open for the BC government to stop stalling and settle with the 3,000 CUPE support workers who have been without a contract for 2 [...]

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VIU DEAN OF EDUCATION RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION Dr. Harry Janzen receives Honorary Lifetime Membership to Canadian Education Association VIU RELEASE: 2012/136 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 15, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Vancouver Island University Dean of Education Dr. Harry Janzen received an Honorary Lifetime Membership to the Canadian Education Association (CEA) for his extensive work [...]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 14, 2012 Students Launch Campaign to Promote Voting in the BC Election Nanaimo – students at Vancouver Island University will gather today to mark the kickoff of their campaign to promote youth voting in the May 2013 BC election. The campaign is part of a province-wide initiative of the Canadian Federation [...]

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AUTHORS AND LONG-TIME FRIENDS REUNITE FOR BOOK LAUNCH Marilyn Bowering and Kate Braid launch books Nov. 17 at Nanaimo Museum  VIU RELEASE: 2012/135 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Authors, long-time friends and former Vancouver Island University colleagues Marilyn Bowering and Kate Braid launch their newest books at the Nanaimo Museum [...]

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VIU APPOINTS NEW DEAN, FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES Dr. Ross MacKay pleased to accept new position VIU RELEASE: 2012/133 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, November 9, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Dr. Ross MacKay has been appointed to the position of Dean, Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Vancouver Island University. MacKay, has been successfully performing [...]

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VIU RELEASE: 2012/132 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 8, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Vancouver Island University students care deeply about city planning issues. That’s why VIU Geography students, VIU Student’s Union, and the Solutions Club are co-hosting the 7th annual Urban Issues Film Festival Friday, Nov. 9 from 3 to 9:30 pm in Building 356, [...]

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Voices through Time: Letters of the Great War VIU History professor speaks about human impact of military conflict VIU RELEASE: 2012/130 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 7, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – If you have ever wondered how major historical events affect individuals and those they love, you may want to join Vancouver Island University History [...]

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BOOK LAUNCH Author and activist Yves Engler presents his new book THE UGLY CANADIAN: Stephen Harper’s Foreign Policy and the need to build a foreign-policy-focused coalition to STOP HARPER’S CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY For more information:  http://www.cjpme.org/ 7pm Friday November 9 (6pm refreshments and schmooze) Lush Valley Food Security Hub 1126F Piercy Ave, Courtenay map http://www.lushvalley.org/ sponsored by [...]

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BUSINESS LEADERS SHARE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE WITH STUDENTS VIU’s MBA Internship team hosts Speaker Day VIU RELEASE: 2012/128 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 5, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Innovative business trends, job opportunities and job readiness – these are the key topics Vancouver Island University students in the Masters in Business Administration (MBA) program discussed [...]

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MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL caps International Education Week Students from around the world celebrate VIU RELEASE: 2012/128 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, Nov.2, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Hundreds of international and Canadian students danced, sang and celebrated during Vancouver Island University’s Multicultural Festival Friday. It was [a] boisterous end to VIU’s International Education Week festivities which included free [...]

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October 31, 2012 Vancouver Island University workers poised for job action NANAIMO—Vancouver Island University support workers have voted overwhelmingly for strike action.  The 300-member CUPE local gave its bargaining committee an 86% strike mandate this week. CUPE 1858 president Deborah Hopper says, “we listened to the voice of our members and the message received was [...]

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THE CENTRAL VANCOUVER ISLAND MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY PRESENTS HARMONIES OF FAITH ….In the name of peace An evening of sacred music, chants, hymns, songs and spoken word to build understanding Directed by Greg Bush   Professor of Music at Vancouver Island University Thursday, December 20, 2012    7:00 – 9:00pm The Port Theatre, Nanaimo A Great Way [...]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nominations Accepted for Nanaimo Sport Achievement Awards Nanaimo, October 10, 2012 – The Nanaimo Sports Achievement Awards is gearing up for their 8th annual gala event on February 9, 2013.  A new website www.nanaimosportachievementawards.com has just launched and includes additional information on the event, this year’s nomination form, sponsorship information and an [...]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 14, 2012 If you are an aspiring filmmaker in the mid-Island region with some experience and access to equipment, there is a modest grant available to help you with a project.  In addition, there’s a scholarship for a week-long filmmaking program at a level appropriate to your experience. The Nanaimo Global [...]

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For Immediate Release: Students: One idea will lead to $50,000! Could it be yours? Submission deadline for Imagine Canada and the Muttart Foundation’s national contest Students (Verb) Charities is NOVEMBER 30th 2012 Ottawa ON, September 2012-   When you think of the charitable sector, you probably picture individual charitable organizations and the excellent work they do.  [...]

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A weekly workshop dedicated to teaching bike maintenance for women & the LGBT community.

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For Immediate Release Nanaimo and RDN urged to become Blue Communities A delegation consisting of representatives from Vancouver Island Water Watch, the Mid Island chapter of the Council of Canadians, the Island Glass Artisans and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 401 made presentations to both the Nanaimo City Council and the Nanaimo Regional District [...]

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For Immediate Release March 16, 2012 Post-secondary institutions united in criticism of Liberals’ 2012 budget VICTORIA— Following the release of an unprecedented letter signed by 25 B.C. university and college presidents, New Democrats are calling on the Liberal government to explain how they propose to address a growing skills shortage in the B.C. workforce when [...]

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Rick Kelm Ban Letter original Letter from CHLY Board to VIU Ric Kelm Rick Kelm’s 2nd letter to CHLY CHEK TV News Coverage (video)   A Channel News Coverage  (video)    

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The BC Government has agreed to a 40-day non-binding mediation to resolve only the outstanding issues. There are agreed portions of the contract that will now be in effect. VIUFA  will vote on the mediators recommendation after 40 days. If VIUFA rejects the mediators recommendation, negotiations would continue under a no strike/lockout clause until Sept [...]

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An Open Letter to VIU, VIUFA, VIUSU, and the Student Body Week 5: Where I am at… I am a fourth year student in the Child and Youth Care program at VIU. I should be finished classes, looking forward to convocation, and applying for jobs. Instead I have been on an emotional roller coaster (one [...]

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Vancouver Island University Nursing Students: Candace , Marta, Cecilia and Magie take a little detour from their regular programming to discuss the VIU job action and the history of unions in Canada

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It’s thursday, its sunny out! you ain’t got no school and you ain’t got nothin’ to do. let’s do this like we know how!

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Statement to the VIU Board of Governors at the regular meeting of the Board, March 24th, 2011 When I first joined this Board of Governors, a little under 3 years ago, I understood that our primary objective was to discuss issues and make decisions that are in the best interest of the university as a [...]

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Wednesday March 30th was another action packed day in the world of the Vancouver Island University Faculty Strike. It started off with the Labour Relations Board ruling against VIU in their appeal to allow BCGEU instructors (trades, vocational and ABE) to go back to work. This will allow VIUFA to maintain their picket line. VIU [...]

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Monday March 28th marks day nineteen of a strike at Vancouver Island University. Last week VIU filed an injunction against the Faculty Association with the Labour Board. VIU wants VIUFA to remove pickets from selected parts of the campus and allow BCGEU members to conduct classes. The Labour Board hearing started yesterday and continues today. [...]

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VIU Studen Kristyn Robert

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Members of the Vancouver Island University Board and several senior administrators were served with a lawsuit on Thursday afternoon, just prior to the start of the public VIU Board Meeting in Nanaimo. The defamation lawsuit, filed by the VIU Faculty Association, alleges that the named defendants either participated in, or approved of an advertisement that, in the guise of providing residents of central Vancouver Island with the “truth” about bargaining at VIU, attempted to damage VIUIFA’s reputation and weaken its bargaining position in the ongoing labour dispute.

“This defamation suit is because the University has been lying about our bargaining position in the press and on their website,” said Gara Pruesse. “We would all be better served if they negotiated with us face to face rather than lying about us in the media.” Pruesse explained that bargaining has been stalled for almost a week.

“Unfortunately the only place they want to bargain seems to be in the press and on the web,” said Dan McDonald, VIUFA President. “Bargaining would be far more productive if it was done face to face. We don’t understand why they haven’t come back to the bargaining table to solve these problems.”

VIUFA Chief Steward Dominique Roelants explained that the lawsuit includes allegations that, even after it was pointed out to VIU that their March 16 ad contained false and defamatory content, they republished the same content two days later. “They should stop lying about us and get back to the bargaining table,” Roelants said. “The executive of VIUFA chose to file this lawsuit because we believe it is important to protect the reputation of our members who are on the line, standing up for what they believe.”

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Over the past 48 hours the VIU Faculty Association has made overtures to VIU in an effort to restart negotiations that have been stalled since before the labour dispute began on March 10. “With students’ semesters on the line we explored several options to bring management back to the table as soon as possible,” said VIUFA Chief Bargainer Gara Pruesse. “We offered to try a new meditator, we offered to meet face-to-face, and we invited Ralph Nilson to join the table. It appears they simply aren’t interested in returning to the table to discuss the issue at the heart of this dispute, which is financial exigency.”

“We just keep hearing the same old thing,” VUFA President Dan McDonald noted. “They won’t even discuss financial exigency.” McDonald explained that VIU has been fully aware since March 7 that financial exigency was the union’s main concern. “They’ve known for a long time what was at the heart of this dispute. Last week they claimed they wanted to see financial exigency language from us so we tabled that on Saturday, but as they’ve done time and time again, they refused to discuss what we tabled.”

Chief Steward Dominique Roelants noted that the administration’s claims about exigency keep changing. “First they claimed financial exigency amounted to a no-layoffs clause, after that didn’t fly, they claimed it would require them to declare bankruptcy. Now their latest excuse is that financial exigency would interfere with the University Senate,” Roelants said. “Every established university in Canada has both a Senate and a financial exigency clause. If UBC, SFU, and UVIC can make it work, why can’t VIU?”

“Exigency simply requires management to prove that they have a legitimate financial reason for cutting education and laying off faculty,” Pruesse said. “If it is impossible to make exigency work, why is it in virtually every Canadian universities’ faculty contract?”

VIUFA President Dan McDonald said the real issue at the centre of the dispute is a lack of trust. “It’s clear to everyone involved that something is wrong at VIU,” McDonald said. “VIU has never in its 75 year history had a faculty strike. Why now?” McDonald said that the only logical explanation for increasing labour unrest is the current administration. “Labour relations really soured when Ralph Nilson arrived five years ago.” McDonald noted that last year faculty voted 81% in favour of a non-confidence motion against Nilson. “It has only gotten worse. He has now completely lost the trust of his faculty, and the longer he refuses to come to the table and bargain fairly with us, the worse it gets.”

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Where: Wakesiah
When: Thursday March 24, Lunch Time

As the strike continues, VIU students plan to take their frusteration to the streets once again. This time the event is scheduled to start at 12 PM on Wakesiah. At around 3 PM students will march downtown to the Coast Bastion Inn. The Coast Bastion is hosting the VIU Board of Governors meeting on which the alleged agenda items include the review of President, CEO and Vice Chancellor’s Ralph Nislon’s contract as well as a proposed tuition fee increase. CHLY, will once again be providing the beats for the students on Wakesiah as well as bringing you live updates on 101.7 FM

Facebook Event
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=142134945853214

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On Tuesday March 16, VIU Students crammed into Vancouver Island University Welcome Center, to ask the VIU President some questions.

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Contract negotiations between Vancouver Island University and the VIU Faculty Association were adjourned by mediator Grant McArthur at 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 19 after less than five hours of negotiations. “We are disappointed that VIU was not seriously prepared to bargain today,” said VIUFA Chief Bargainer Gara Pruesse. “We were led to believe that they were prepared to move, but they were not. Their position has not changed since Feb 14.” Pruesse said that no further talks were scheduled at this point.

According to VIUFA President Dan McDonald, “We have moved significantly from our no-layoffs position. Today we tabled a compromise that addresses the employer’s need for flexibility. Unfortunately, they came back with the same old line – they want to be able to cut any educational program at any time with no justification. They don’t seem to feel accountable to students at all.”

“We are very frustrated,” said VIUFA Chief Steward Dominique Roelants. “VIU spent three days this week bargaining with another union that is not even on strike rather than coming to the table to try and find a solution to this dispute.” Roelants added, “It’s great that they have an agreement with BCGEU, but when do they intend to take our negotiations seriously and bargain an end to this strike?”

McDonald indicated that VIUFA members were firm in their commitment not to allow VIU to cut 10% from education while management’s compensation continues to grow. “The total compensation paid to administrators has risen over 40% in four years and yet they want to cut 10% from education. Our members feel this administration’s priorities are simply wrong.”

Pruesse indicated that she had been hopeful based on what she saw from Capilano University. On Tuesday, Capilano President Kris Bulcroft announced that Capilano was cutting two vice-presidential positions and consolidating its administration in order to avoid cuts to education. “It seems that Ralph Nilson could learn a few things from Kris Bulcroft about how to prioritize education,” said Pruesse. “If Capilano can do this to protect their students’ programs, why can’t VIU?”

Roelants explained that of the four colleges and university-colleges converted to universities in 2008, VIU has by far the largest administration as a percent of overall salaries. “The proportion of dollars spent on administrators at VIU is 30% more than the next closest new university,” said Roelants. “How can VIU possibly justify spending even more on administrative salaries?”

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CHLY will be on Wakesiah again from 1-4 PM,

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As the strike continues, VIU students plan to rally again today on Wakesiah St 11 – 4pm. CHLY will be on location.

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Vancouver Island University Faculty Association Bargainer called on VIU to live up to their ad campaign. “VIU paid over a thousand dollars of tax payers money to buy an ad saying they were prepared to meet at any time. We have been trying to get a meeting together for two days and they have not responded”.

Faculty Association President Dan McDonald stated that there are no monetary issues at stake stating that “Ralph Nilson has misrepresented the Faculty position at the bargaining table. We understand that layoffs may be necessary. The main issue is financial exigency language that makes sure financial resources are focused on classroom offerings.”

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Wednesday March 16 10:30 AM – 2 PM. Wakesiah Ave,

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On March 14, 2011 Vancouver Island University Students rallied to show support to the VIUFA

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When: Tuesday, March 15 · 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Wakesiah AVE

Join CHLY live on location. Featuring musicians from the VIU Jazz Departme

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Tune into 101.7 FM today between 10:30 and 12:00PM for live updates from the the 3rd student rally to support VIU Faculty. Or Join us live on location on Wakesiah Ave where will be serving up some BBQ, some and some wicked phat beats.

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Student’s of Vancouver Island University are organizing another rally to support the VIUFA. The event is expected to be the largest event yet, with over 250 people already confirmed attending on the social media site Facebook. Many students have already joined their fellow teachers on the picket lines. The event takes place Monday March 14th 10 – 12PM on Wakesiah Ave down by the gas stations.

Click here to join the FB group
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=208032749211895

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Be The Media Episode #21, hosted by Marian van der Zon and Niel Scobie, begins with an interview with Dominique Roelants, representative for the Vancouver Island University Faculty Association union. Roelants gives an update on the current strike situation at VIU. Scobie, along with fellow Digital Media Studies students Carrie-Anne Wagner, Maggie Rich, and Courtney Fantinato discuss the strike from a student’s point of view. Fantinato is also Student Manager of the Media Studies Department’s Media Research Lab. Next, van der Zon speaks with Doug Routley, NDP MLA for the Nanaimo-North Cowichan District, and Manjeet Uppal, faculty member at VIU’s Cowichan campus about the strike and its impact on the faculty, students, and the community as a whole.

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Dan McDonald, President of the Vancouver Island University Faculty Association expressed disappointment about the failure of the second mediation in a week. “We came to the table to focus on one issue – ensuring that there are no unnecessary cuts to courses at VIU. Unfortunately the employer has not changed its position since February 15, 2011”.

“The employer wants to cut any faculty member or any course without justification” said Dominique Roelants, the Chief Steward of the Faculty Association. The Association has heard that at least six science faculty learned this week that they will be laid off. “At established universities, before they cut courses and programs, they must open their books and justify the need to cut education and layoff faculty. VIU refuses to adopt this standard university practice – what are they hiding?”

Gara Pruesse, the Faculty Association negotiator believes the university’s priorities are wrong. “Over the past four years, while faculty were being cut, the university has increased its spending by 40% on manager’s salary and benefits. That money should have been spent offering courses to the 1500 students who were stranded on waitlists this term. It’s not about budget shortfalls – it’s about the wrong priorities”.

Dan McDonald reiterated that the faculty bargaining team came to the second mediation this week with the expectation that the employer wanted to negotiate. “We came to the table expecting to work hard to resolve the job security issue and end program cuts so that students could get back into class this term, and so that the classes the students need next term will be available. The employer had no interest in negotiating and instead wants to put the future of the students in jeopardy”.

No talks are scheduled. The strike continues.

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Good morning, Mr. Nilson,

My name is Brennan Conroy, and I’m a 3rd-year Bachelor of Music in Jazz student at VIU. At 9:30, I’m supposed to be attending a jazz theory class. At 10:30, I’m supposed to have my private lesson. At 11:30, I’m supposed to have a classical theory class. At 2:30, I’m supposed to have a pedagogy/beginner band class where we’d be playing my classmates’ arrangements of songs that we’ve been working on. And at 4:30, I’m supposed to have my jazz workshop and repertoire class, but it seems that’s been cancelled, along with all of my other courses for today.

Instead, since I was supposed to be at VIU all day, anyway, I plan on joining my instructors and faculty on the picket lines for their strike.

The attitude of the Vancouver Island University administration in this whole situation has been deplorable. The University has used its ability to email the entire student body to villanize the VIUFA without actually explaining what the stumbling blocks are. The VIUFA, on the other hand, is telling us that they started with 41 bargaining items that they’ve whittled down to 7 in an attempt to strike a deal with you while the University has refused to budge on any of the FA’s requests, the remaining of which are zero-cost. Isn’t the process called collective bargaining? Doesn’t that mean a little give-and-take from each side? It doesn’t seem like the University is giving anything at all; you seem to have the word “bargaining” confused with “dictating.”

Allow me to pose a few non-rhetorical questions to you, Mr. Nilson:

- VIU has had the opportunity to bargain with the VIUFA since September 2010. You have cancelled numerous meetings, violated protocols, and circulated misleading information. Why?
- Why does the administration at VIU continue to move money away from instruction? Isn’t VIU supposed to be a teaching university?
- Why does the cost of administrators rise rapidly while services for students and faculty shrink? Why does the University have job postings up for several administrative positions while faculty members receive layoff notices?
- Why does the University seem to think that cancelling sections of courses and laying off faculty are positive actions to take for students? This just seems counter-intuitive to me; aren’t we already facing extremely long waitlists and increasing enrolment?

I look forward to hearing back from you, Mr. Nilson. I’ll be away from my computer for most of the day, but if you want to reach me, you can find me somewhere along the picket line with the VIUFA. I’ll be holding the sign that says “Students for VIUFA.”

Have a good day,

Brennan Conroy

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At 8am this morning mediator Grant McArthur determined that talks between Vancouver Island University and the VIU faculty association had failed. The Faculty Association will be in a legal strike position on Thursday morning. VIUFA President Dan McDonald said, “We are disappointed with this turn of events. In the end, the employer brought no new ideas to the mediation process. While VIUFA explored several options with the mediator to break the stalemate, the employer’s position remains unchanged since Feb 14.”

Chief Steward Dominique Roleants said, “VIU claims that it cannot negotiate any limits on its plans to cut courses and lay off faculty because of the government’s net zero mandate. This is simply not true. Maintaining the current level of instruction at VIU would in no way violate the net zero mandate. The BC Government itself has agreed to no-layoff language for thousands of public sector employees. Maintaining current levels of educational opportunities has always been, and will continue to be, the top priority for VIUFA in this dispute.”

VIUFA members have been without a contract since April, 2010. Roleants said, “Our members believe they deserve a contract and are frustrated with this administration’s continued stalling.” He stated that Management cancelled all bargaining between May and November, and have been unwilling to move at all in the last three weeks of negotiations. “Virtually every university in Canada has language that severely restricts cuts to education and faculty layoffs, yet VIU won’t even meet to discuss this issue with us,” he said.

McDonald said, “This dispute is really about budget priorities. The cost of administrators’ salary and benefits have risen over 40% in the last four years while courses have been cut and thousands of students have been stranded on waitlists. Now VIU president Ralph Nilson is cutting a further 10% out of education, throwing our members out of work and hurting even more students. What’s wrong with this picture?”

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Click the title to listen to the audio podcast

Episode #19, hosted by Marian van der Zon, begins with an interview with Dominique Roelants, representative for the Vancouver Island University Faculty Association union, as they examine the ongoing negotiation between the VIUFA and VIU. Next, van der Zon speaks with Ross Desprez, instructor at VIU, about the play “We Too”, which Desprez directs. The play is about the history of coal mining and the struggle for workers’ rights on Vancouver Island. The two also discuss the Arts and Humanities Colloquium happening on March 4. Desprez will be presenting “History on Stage: Transforming History into Relevant, Entertaining Musical Theatre.” The episode finishes with CJ Rice, a Digital Media Studies student at VIU. Rice interviews two contributors to the Living Legends Festival in the Cowichan Valley: Richard Waganese (guest storyteller at the opening ceremonies) and Edgar Rice (lead carver). Show’s theme is media and media literacy – television, radio, books, internet, audio. Brought to you by Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Media Studies Department and Media Research Lab.

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Students at V.I.U. are organizing an event to support their teachers. Wednesday March 9th 11:30 – 1:30 PM

“The biggest issue is to try to stop the effects of the increasing number of students coming in and admin’s response is to try to cut more sections of classes. We’re seeing declining numbers of faculty, declining numbers of courses, and more students looking for classes,” says McDonald. “Instructional cuts can’t be the place where they are concentrated.”

Dan McDonald, President of VIUFA

This “gathering” has been represented to us as being a civil affair, the general idea being to show support for the student union since they will be the students’ representatives through this, and to give them direction if needed.

If students are to have any power over their own education then a demonstration of student solidarity may be needed in order that the student representatives are known to have a solid, unified membership behind them.

facebook event:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=206049826077542

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Original Production by Kendall Hanson of CHEK TV. Thanks so much to Kendall for donating the original footage to Radio Malaspina. To find out more about the locally owned and independently operated CHEK TV please visit their website at www.cheknews.ca to find out more about the ban or to support CHLY please visit www.mynanaimo.com

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To find out more about the CHLY ban, the proposed teachers strike, and other activities on V.I.U. Campus click the link above

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