FREDERICTON (GNB) – Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Jody Carr says he is disappointed with the Mount Allison Faculty Association and the Mount Allison University administration after it was announced on Feb. 13 that they were unable to reach a new collective agreement despite the assistance of a special outside mediator, among other efforts.

"On Feb. 12 and 13, we all relied on both parties to return to the bargaining table and reach an agreement with the assistance of a special mediator," said Carr. "Our preference has always been for an agreement to be reached by both parties working together at the bargaining table. I am extremely disappointed that they were unable to achieve this to this point."

"As minister, I have asked for a full briefing regarding these two days of talks," Carr said. "I am evaluating the situation and am acutely aware of the impact this dispute is having on students, parents, families and the university community."

Since last August, the administration and the union have been negotiating a new collective agreement. However, an agreement has not been reached, and the union exercised its right to strike beginning on Jan. 27. In addition to directing the parties back to the table and appointing an outside mediator, the provincial government has provided tools under the Industrial Relations Act - including a conciliation officer and a mediation officer - to reach this goal.

"As a government, our priority is to protect the students' ability to finish their term with the least amount of disruption possible," said Carr. "The success of our province depends on a strong, adaptive and educated workforce. We recognize that our post-secondary education sector is vital to growing New Brunswick's economy and creating jobs in order to meet the needs of our evolving labour market."


13-02-14