News 18/03/10

1. Ergonomics
2. Deadline
3. Molly Hancock Dinner
4. Professional Funds
5. Next AGM
6. OCUFA Survey
7. Parking Rates
8. In an Emergency
9. Card Access System

Ergonomics: A number of you who have secured equipment under the ergonomic program may still need advice about equipment set-up—or possibly chair adjustment. If you require help or advice, please contact Gail Cowper-Benoit at ext 3061.

In total more than 120 members have benefited from this program. In the last round, we exceeded the allotted budget by $17,281, and to avoid disappointing members, drew on the 2010-2011 budget of $35,000. What all this means is that effective July 2010, $17,719 will remain in the budget to be spent. Accordingly “Last Call” will go out in the early fall.

Deadline: If you are interested in standing for election on the LUFA Executive or as a Steward for a two-year term (July 2010- June 2012), please note that the deadline for application is March 22 at 4:00 p.m. If necessary, elections will be held April 7 and 8th, starting at the Spring General Membership meeting, where candidates might be asked to present and answer questions to the membership.

At Georgian College, if necessary, separate arrangements will be made to allow members there a chance to vote.

Molly Hancock Dinner: On Thursday March 25, between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m., Alumni Hall will be the site of a dinner honouring Dr. Molly Hancock, well-known social activist and a founding member of Laurentian's School of Social Work, retired since the mid 80s and now well over 90. The LUFA Office has tickets which may be picked up during office hours at a cost of $50.00. Payment is only by cheque or credit card (so that receipts may be issued).

Professional Funds: In October, we learned that there were 54 full-time members of the LUFA Bargaining Unit left with a balance on the professional allowance available to them at June 30, 2008 and the total amount of funds was $66,657. If these funds are unspent by the end of June 2010, the balance will revert to the university’s general revenues. Consult Article 6.45 of the Collective Agreement for a list of acceptable expenditures.

Next AGM: A heads up that the next AGM is scheduled for April 7 at 4 pm (room A-226). In addition to any election vote, LUFA Treasurer Jean Charles Cachon will be presenting his budget for the upcoming year—and the LUFA Board will be asking for a substantial increase to our (tax-deductible) dues. A copy of the proposed budget will be distributed at the meeting, but those who would like to check it out in advance may do so by visiting the LUFA Office.

OCUFA Survey: Recently we emailed a questionnaire from OCUFA designed to solicit your opinions on an array of topics that are important to the welfare of Ontario universities. Having information which comes directly from the people on the front line is an invaluable tool in enhancing our advocacy efforts on your behalf. If you have not yet filled it out, please do so at: http://www.ocufa.on.ca/surveys.facultysurvey2010.gk

Parking Rates: According to Article 8.70.2 of the Collective Agreement, “members with a temporary or long-term Disability or pregnant members shall be entitled upon request to their Dean/University Librarian to a reserved parking space close to their office.” In the last few years, the university has been proactive in adding new parking spaces around campus to accommodate the requirements of this article—although gaps do remain.

For those using these designated spaces on a temporary basis, the cost of parking will not be lowered. On the other hand, LUFA and LUSU, both of whom are represented on the Advisory Committee on Security Services, have managed to convince the university to make special arrangements for handicapped members who require such spaces permanently. For them, the cost will be halved. The reason is that a city by-law allows for four hours of free parking for disabled parkers with a ministry decal on display and the university—which gets to set parking rates—has agreed that under these circumstances a reduced parking rate for eligible members was only fair.

The university has made no decision about parking rates for handicapped employees working “part-time”—but assuming these folks are on campus less than four hours at a time, they should be covered by the bylaw.

In an Emergency: Phone 6562. Day or night—evenings or week-ends. No exceptions. Previously, there was an after-hours number, but with the recent significant upgrade to the security building, several improvements to overall security arrangements on campus have become possible, and the “one number” for all things security is one example.

Card Access System: The university is in the process of implementing a “card access” system in those buildings in which multiple tenants use shared space. For example, next time you enter the Rotunda of the Library on the ground floor, you will notice a little box mid-way up the outside doors—and if one of the doors is locked, you can open it by swiping your card (or a little black fob which is also available). The keys which used to open the doors no longer work since the locks have been changed.

Members who need cards or fobs may request them through their Deans/University Librarian.

The “card access” system is becoming increasingly popular in public buildings for two reasons. First, it allows the security folks to track who has come in an out or a building in the event that information is required; second, if by any chance a card (or fob) becomes lost, it can be disabled and a new one issued.

That said, each building and department will be responsible for requesting the system—and of course paying all costs associated with implementation. In the next short while, Carl Bisaillon, Building and Maintenance Supervisor and the man responsible for installation, is not expecting a big take-up given the university’s current financial circumstances.