TO: MAD HATTER
SUBJECT: FACULTY ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATION

I would like to tell you something about the certification situation
at Capilano College.

Until last May, I was a part-time instructor in the Business Department
at Capilano. As such I was’ not particularly concerned with the Faculty
Association or its plans for certification.

When I did become aware of the certification movement, in Fall 1973,
I asked why we needed a union - I was told originally "to help us bargain,
to give us bargaining strength and a say in the administration of the college."
(Does this sound familiar?) Being naive I said "Oh, you mean we can go on
strike?" - Horrified reaction - "Oh no, no, no, - we would never do that."
"Well what will the union do for us?" This usually brought a long pause -
so I ask again "Then, why do we need a union?" finally "Because it is
inevitable."

So we got a certification because it was "inevitable" and because most
people were even less concerned than I and allowed a strong, political few
to make the decision.

Last April Capilano College Faculty Association passed a resolution
to call a strike vote if they did not get satisfaction in their bargaining
with Council. Fortunately, the strike vote and strike were not necessary.
We can never know if there would have been a strike but the feeling of the
meeting was extremely militant and I believe that the membership at the
meeting was prepared to strike.

Last May the college Principal resigned - co-incidence?

And now I am told "the Faculty Association has a stranglehold on the
administration."

Now let us consider the present situation here at Douglas. As I see
it - the Faculty Association in co-operation with the administration has
done a tremendous job for us. I am satisfied with my salary and working
conditions; I have a say in the appointment of faculty in my own department;
I have freedom to design courses and to teach them as seems right to me. What
more do I want? I do not want to run the college. I find enough challenge
and excitement in teaching, to be happy that someone else is doing the
administration.

Think about Capilano College, think of what you have now. Do not allow
yourself to be caught up in a union through apathy.

"Let's keep the politicians out of Douglas"

oo ass eee Dunbar, Instructor
i ve re Business Department