To the Editor,
I am writing to express my deep disappointment and concern over the labour action at Vancouver Island University. I hope to add one more voice to the call to end this dispute because this issue is quickly leading to devastating consequences for thousands of students affected by the strike.
The Vancouver Island University mission statement is:
Vancouver Island University is a dynamic and diverse educational organization, dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning, service and research. We foster student success, strong community connections and international collaboration by providing access to a wide range of university and college programs designed for regional, national and international students. (Retreived April 2, 2011, from http://www.viu.ca/mission/).
It is inexcusable that the university and the faculty association would violate the mission that students rely on and have come to trust. The labour action is in direct opposition to the key components of this mission:
- Dedicated to teaching and learning: The labour action is giving the impression that each party in the dispute is self-interested and is affording no consideration for their ?dedication to teaching and learning?.
- We foster student success: Clearly, students are now in a position where it is conceivable that they will not be successful in completing their education.
- Providing access to a wide range of ... programs: This labour action is not providing access, it is denying access. While a cut in programs may be required for the sustainability of the university, it is not acceptable to deny every single student their right to complete their education.
I understand a person's need to feel secure in their employment; however, the fact that faculty are exercising their 'right' to demand job security, among other things, is causing agony for the thousands of people affected by that action. It is completely ironic that in demanding to keep their jobs, faculty have actually refused to do the jobs they are so intent on keeping. The mentality of the faculty association in this case makes no sense. While it is technically legal for the faculty association to enact their right to strike, it comes at the cost of thousands of students who have been taken hostage and are being penalized for this action. This is not the type of situation that is conducive to learning and finding solutions to complex problems.
I have spent four years in the faculty of management and have been incredibly fortunate to have received the quality of education I have. Every single one of my instructors has been consistent in teaching students new ways of innovative thinking that will help get society out of the ruts in which it remains due to old school thinking and power struggles. The bottom line is that people on both sides of the dispute have values and valid concerns they are fighting for. Unfortunately, the union system has forced people to take sides and take a stand for a position from which they cannot move. If we were to forget about the positions for a second and think about the common ground that lies between both parties, it is inevitable that a mutually beneficial solution can be found.
In the meantime, it is essential for measures to be put in place to ensure that no further harm is caused to students affected by the labour action. While it is a step in the right direction to allow early withdrawal and tuition refunds, it does not address the issue that many potential graduates are facing.
International students face expiring visas or airline tickets, loss of application and interview opportunities in their home countries, cultural and social impacts if they return home without a degree, and the potential that they may not ever be able to return to Canada to complete their studies. The complete impact of this is unknown and is not an acceptable result of the labour action at VIU.
Canadian students also face similar situations in the final semester of their education. Many have applied for jobs that will give them important leverage in establishing a successful career, and may be conditional on receiving their degree. A number of my classmates have applied to Master?s programs either at VIU or other institutions and do not have the luxury of time to complete their undergraduate degrees. If school is extended past the time they can enrol in further studies, they will lose the opportunity to do so. Employment postings are coming and going, and aside from the fact that we don?t have an expected completion date, students are now unable to obtain crucial references from their instructors. Students also face the dilemma of where to live during this uncertain time. Leases expire, notice to leave cannot be given, and paying additional rent and other living expenses is required if school is extended further.
If nothing else can be done, I ask that special consideration be given to students in their final semester who are scheduled to complete their education and graduate in June 2011. For the simple fact that fourth year students are now one week away from completing their education and moving into careers, this is an absolutely crucial time in these students? lives and any delay in obtaining their degrees can cause irreparable harm for their future.
I am politely requesting that you take a strong stand to ensure that instructors return to the classroom and students are able to complete their education. We have seen the example of ESL teachers holding classes in a neutral location to provide students with learning opportunities. I believe a similar outcome can be achieved for graduating students. If instructors teaching fourth year courses are permitted to return to class, they will be able to support their students in completing the final requirements for graduation and any harm already caused by the labour action will then be minimized.
I am sure you will agree that the labour action at VIU is causing more damage than the faculty association or the university stands to gain from the dispute. Ending the labour action should now be a priority for every single person involved in the situation, including faculty, the faculty association, the university, students, parents, and governments. If this action does not get settled in the very near future, the issues facing all of these stakeholders will only increase and the challenges become insurmountable.
I ask for all people in a position to influence change to do everything in your power to bring an end to this dispute and allow students to complete their education. Please, put a stop to this labour action immediately.
Tiffany Moore
Fourth year Bachelor of Tourism Management
Student Research Intern, Protected Areas and Poverty Reduction (PAPR)
Vancouver Island University