THOUGHTS REGARDING CERTIFICATION As some of you know, I do not support the Faculty Association's stand on certification. I support the Faculty Association however, and am a member. Many of us are still quite confused re the in- tricacies of certification. Here are some items of interest: i one can be a member of the Faculty Association without supporting certification. Indeed, the Association is the only available formal arena in which to be heard. If for instance, it were possible to have the Association reverse its stance, it is obvious such action could be accomplished by members only. This very thing occurred this month at U.B.C. in considering the application to certify, the Labour Relations Board may decide to conduct a vote. It will determine who may vote by determining who constitutes the "appropriate bargain- ing unit". This unit may well include directors (notwithstand- ing their recent agreement), part-time faculty, and possibly technicians. A simple majority vote in favour would encourage the L.R.B. to grant certification. While this vote is com pletely at the discretion of the L. R. B., it would probably be held to allow everyone to properly indicate his wishes (regardless of membership or non-membership in the current Faculty Association). once certified, the Association would bargain with the College Council for all members of the unit, whether or not one supports unionism, and payment of dues would be compulsory. either before or after certification, the Association would consider aligning itself with an existing national or inter- national or provincial trade union e.g. B.C. Government Employees' Union and CUPE. Such affiliation would give an outside body influence over our internal affairs that would be very discouraging in my opinion. On the other hand, the Association could remain independent. I am against affiliation with an outside group - they want members, they want dues, they offer 'brotherhood' and 'solidarity'. The brotherhood is at a political level I find disadvantageous, the solidarity might well manifest itself only at times of conflict, aided and abetted by it. General Notes a) I really enjoy working at Douglas: I enjoy the respect I receive from colleagues and the administration; I enjoy the freedom I have in my work schedule; I enjoy the open atmosphere; I find my working conditions far from oppressive; I enjoy the remuneration. I do not believe our situation will be enhanced by trade unionism. On the contrary, I feel strongly that it will be jeopardized.