UBC News Digest

Feb 27, 2003

The UBC News Digest is a weekly summary of news stories about UBC
people, research, learning, community, and internationalization
initiatives. News Digest past
issues are also available on-line.

Feb. 27, 2003

Labour and bargaining update

UBC is currently in negotiation with three of its unions. The following
is the status of those negotiations as of 4:00 p.m. on Feb. 27.

CUPE 2278 (Teaching Assistants)

Members of CUPE 2278 left the Labour Relations Board late Wednesday
morning without responding to the University’s latest wage offer
of 10% over three years. The proposed yearly break down is 3%, 4%
and 3%, and would result in a top hourly wage of $26.49. The Teaching
Assistants have been picketing different buildings around campus
for the past week. They are bargaining to obtain tuition waivers
for as part of their compensation package.

CUPE 2950

The University bargaining team presented CUPE 2950 with language
concerning contracting out yesterday. While the University does
not believe that contracting out is a significant issue with CUPE
2950, it does believe that it is important to have consistent language
in our collective agreements. In essence, the proposed language
states that while the University maintains its ability to contract
out the work done by bargaining unit members, no CUPE 2950 employees
will be terminated as a result of contracting out.

CUPE 116

Contracting out — In mediation on Friday, February 14,
the University bargaining team tabled its proposal to CUPE 116 on
contracting out. Background on this issue and the proposal is in
Bargaining Bulletin #24. In yesterday’s mediated talks, the University
clarified its position a propos employment security for the approximately
80 employees who will be affected by this proposal; specifically
that these CUPE 116 members will be provided with comparable work
and pay.

Wages — the University tabled its wage offer yesterday.
As reported previously, PSEC mandates 0%, 0% and 0% for general
wage increases. However, based on market competitiveness, the University
proposed increases for Research and Engineering Technicians.

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Medicine professor awarded for Distinguished Contribution
to Medical Education

Gordon Page has been awarded the Canadian Association of Medical
Education (CAME) Award for Distinguished Contribution to Medical
Education.

Director of Educational Support and Development in the Faculty
of Medicine, Page is also very involved in the medical school expansion
and is special advisor to the dean with regard to the MD undergraduate
program.

Page joined UBC in 1975 and is a professor in the Dept. of Medicine.

The CAME award recognizes senior faculty who have made an exceptional
contribution to medical educating throughout their academic career.

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Conference on Preventing Crimes Against Humanity
comes to UBC

On March 21 and 22 scholars, authors and human rights advocates
will work together at the Canadian Conference on Preventing Crimes
against Humanity: Lessons from the Asia Pacific War (1931-1945).

Hosted at the UBC First Nations Longhouse, this two-day conference
will examine the history of the Asia Pacific War and apply the lessons
learned to current humanity issues. It has been organized to commemorate
the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination
of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

For a complete list of distinguished speakers and conference information,
go to www.aplconference.ca.
Students are eligible for a registration fee subsidy that has been
made possible by a grant from the Walter H. Gage Memorial Fund.