DOUGLAS COLLEGE \ RCI TIVO ’ HOW DID THE V.I.A. STRIKE HAPPEN? | WAU PH VES The instructors of the Vancouver Vocational Institute and the Special Programs Division and Vancouver Vocational Institute of Vancouver Community College have been without a contract covering their educational responsibilities, working conditions and salary matters since January 1, 1974. On September 11, 1974 these instructors, members of the Vocational Instructors Association (V.I.A.) ’ withdrew their services in a legal strike, closed the Vancouver Vocational Insti- tute, the Vancouver School of Art and the Special Programs Division and interrup- ted the classes at the Langara campus. How did this occur? An annotated chronology of events as seen from Langara will not cover all of the steps that led to strike action, but it may assist in understanding. November 1973: The V.I.A. informed the College Labour Relations Officer of their intent to open the existing contract for negotiation. The College also indicated intent to negotiate certain contract clauses. December 1973 - February 1974: The College delayed sitting down to negotiate until February 1974. Retroactive pay to the contract expir- ation date was an early issue. March 1974 - May 1974: After a series of meetings negotiations gradually focused on several "difficult"issues: time (conven- iently called professional development) for instructors to return to industry to update skills similar to the time available to instructors at the Langara campus; time for cotinselling, course preparation, and educational support activities within the work week through a reduc- tion of classroom contact hours; compensation for exten- ded shift work, which often results in a 13 hour work span, and adequate Salary adjustment to meet the infla- tionary spiral. May 1974: To effect resolution after three months of discussion the Vocational Instructors Association sought the services of a Labour Relations Board appointed mediator. June 1974 - July 1974: The mediator worked with both parties to bring about a resolution without effect. After the mediator reported no points of agreement the V.1I.A. asked that both parties; the College Council and themselves, move to binding arbitration. This mechanism for resolution in which a government appointed arbitrator examines the issues and offers a solution binding to both sides must be agreed to by both parties. The College Council refused. The V.I.A. searching for a lever to effect resolution, took a strike vote. Ninety percent (90%) of their member- ship voted for strike. Strike notice was served at the College Council meeting of July 8, 1974. July 1974 ~ August 1974: Throughout the rest of the summer discussions continued sporadically. No change in positions occurred but the V.I.A., hopeful for conclusion, did not strike but con- tinued to press for binding arbitration. Sept. 11,1974: With the ninety day period in which strike was legally | possible running out, the V.I.A. withdrew services. The issues are complex but are rooted in evolving educational objectives on the part of the vocational instructors. These faculty members, influenced by changing educational methodology, changing career technology and changing student needs have become irrevocably committed to effecting changes in the rigid, archaic teaching schedule into which they are locked. They are not unmindful of the reali- ties of educational financing but have, too long, been put off by College inability to support necessary reform.